Topical Bible: Self-Will: Simeon and Levi

◄ Self-Will: Simeon and Levi ►

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Introduction

Self-will, as depicted in the Bible, often refers to actions driven by personal desires and impulses rather than divine guidance or moral principles. The account of Simeon and Levi, two of the twelve sons of Jacob, provides a poignant example of self-will leading to violence and familial consequences. Their actions are recorded in the Book of Genesis and serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked anger and revenge.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Simeon and Levi's self-will is primarily found in Genesis 34. Their sister, Dinah, was defiled by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. In response, Simeon and Levi devised a deceitful and violent plan to avenge their sister's honor. They agreed to Shechem's proposal for marriage on the condition that all the males in his city be circumcised. On the third day, when the men were in pain, Simeon and Levi attacked the city, killing all the males, including Shechem and Hamor, and plundering the city.

Genesis 34:25-26 states: "Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords, came upon the unsuspecting city, and killed every male. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went away."

Consequences and Jacob's Response

Jacob, their father, was deeply troubled by their actions. He feared retaliation from the surrounding Canaanite and Perizzite communities, which could endanger his entire household. Jacob's rebuke highlights the reckless nature of Simeon and Levi's self-will, as their actions were driven by personal vengeance rather than justice or divine instruction.

Genesis 34:30 records Jacob's reaction: "Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, 'You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the inhabitants of the land—the Canaanites and Perizzites. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.'"

Prophetic Implications

The consequences of Simeon and Levi's self-will extended beyond immediate familial discord. In Genesis 49, as Jacob blesses his sons before his death, he recalls their violent actions and prophesies their future. Jacob's words reflect the lasting impact of their self-will on their descendants.

Genesis 49:5-7 states: "Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. Let me not enter their council; let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger, and hamstrung oxen as they pleased. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel."

Jacob's prophecy foretold the scattering of Simeon and Levi's descendants within Israel. The tribe of Simeon eventually became absorbed into the territory of Judah, while the Levites were set apart for priestly duties, dispersed throughout the land without a distinct territorial inheritance.

Theological Reflection

The account of Simeon and Levi serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive potential of self-will. Their account illustrates how personal vendettas and unchecked anger can lead to actions that have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals involved but also their communities and future generations. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and exercising self-control, aligning one's will with God's purposes rather than succumbing to impulsive desires.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 49:6
O my soul, come not you into their secret; to their assembly, my honor, be not you united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they dig down a wall.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ...
... 3352] Like Simeon and Levi, they consummated ... heart be united: for in their anger
they slew men," that is, the prophets; "and in their self-will they hacked ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xviii name of the.htm

Chapter xlix
... On that memorable occasion Simeon and Levi, perhaps lacking ... themselves did, instructs
them that they did it "in their anger" ('aph) and "self-will" (rats??n ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And he being moved at their words withdrew To weep, and then returned to renew His
former talk; and choosing Simeon out, Before them all he bound him hand and ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm