Text: Genesis 49:5-7
Shortly before Jacob’s death, he gathered his sons together to speak about their futures. All of the sons were addressed individually except for two brothers – Simeon and Levi. Because of what they did together, their descendants would face similar futures. However, the descendants of one of them would make a decision that would change the tribe’s future. As we look at these two brothers and their descendants, there are a few lessons we can learn.
The Background
- Jacob spoke of the time in which Simeon and Levi killed men with the sword in their anger (Genesis 49:5-6)
- This referred to the incident with Shechem – Shechem defiled the daughter of Jacob (Genesis 34:1-7); Jacob’s sons were angry at the news; Jacob’s sons tricked the men of Shechem into getting circumcised (Genesis 34:8-17); the men agreed, but before they could recover, Simeon and Levi killed them (Genesis 34:25-26); the sons of Jacob then looted the city (Genesis 34:27-29); Jacob feared the surrounding nations (Genesis 34:30), but Simeon and Levi were defending their sister (Genesis 34:31)
- Because of this incident, Jacob said their descendants would be scattered among the people (Genesis 49:7)
Simeon’s Future
- A census was taken in the wilderness of Sinai of every male who could go to war (Numbers 1:1-3) – 59,300 men from Simeon (Numbers 1:23); approximately 9.8% of the total (Numbers 1:46)
- Another census was taken after the plague (Numbers 26:1-2), also of every male who could go to war – 22,200 from Simeon (Numbers 26:14); decrease of 62.6%; approximately 3.7% of the total (Numbers 26:51)
- When Canaan was divided, their inheritance was taken from the midst of Judah (Joshua 19:1, 9) – their territory was eventually swallowed up by Judah
- The last historical mention of the tribe occurred before the Babylonian captivity (2 Chronicles 34:6)
- The only other mention is in a prophecy about the city of God (Ezekiel 48:33)
Levi’s Future
- When the census was taken at Sinai, the tribe of Levi was not counted (Numbers 1:47-49) – the reason was because they were appointed to care for the tabernacle (Numbers 1:50-53); the Levites were set apart for the Lord (Numbers 3:41; 8:14-16)
- When Canaan was divided, the Levites received no territory – instead, they received 48 cities scattered throughout the land (Numbers 35:6-7; Joshua 21:41)
- The Levites returned from Babylonian captivity (Nehemiah 12:1, 27)
- We even have a Levite as a prominent member of the early church (Acts 4:36) – Barnabas
What Changed Their Course?
- When Israel gathered at Mount Sinai, Moses went up to get the law from God (Exodus 24:12; 31:18) – while he was delayed, they made a golden calf to worship (Exodus 32:1-6); when Moses came down, he called those who were for the Lord to come to him (Exodus 32:26); the sons of Levi answered the call and executed punishment (Exodus 32:27-28)
- They were then dedicated to the Lord (Exodus 32:29) – same word as when the priests were ordained (Numbers 3:3); less than a year later, they were set apart for the Lord (Numbers 3:41); this was due to their stand for the Lord
Lessons for Us
- Actions have consequences (Proverbs 13:15; Hosea 8:7) – therefore, be careful in what you decide to do
- We can make the most of a bad situation (Mark 15:32; Luke 23:39-43) – requires us to repent and do what is right
- No matter what the past is, we can always do what is right (1 Timothy 1:15-16; 1 Corinthians 15:9-11)
Conclusion
- We can learn a lot from the examples in the Bible – sometimes the lessons unfold over generations
- No matter what we have done, we can do what is right
- We may not be able to escape the consequences of our actions – but we can still stand for the Lord
