Genesis 49:1-7 ▼

1 Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, “Gather together that I may tell you what will befall you in the last days.

2 Assemble together and hear, O sons of Jacob; And listen to Israel your father.

3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn; My might and the beginning of my vigor, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in strength.

4 Uncontrolled as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it—he went up to my couch.

5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence.

6 Let my soul not enter into their council; Let not my glory be united with their assembly; Because in their anger they killed men, And in their self-will they hamstrung oxen.

7 Cursed be their anger, for it is strong; And their wrath, for it is cruel. I will divide them amongst Jacob, And scatter them in Israel.