Topical Bible: Revenge: Simon and Levi

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Introduction

Revenge, a theme that runs through various narratives in the Bible, is often depicted as a human response to perceived wrongs, yet it is consistently portrayed as contrary to the divine will. The account of Simon and Levi, two of the twelve sons of Jacob, provides a vivid illustration of revenge and its consequences. This entry explores the actions of Simon and Levi in the context of their sister Dinah's defilement, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, and examines the broader biblical perspective on revenge.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Simon and Levi's revenge is found in Genesis 34. Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob, went out to visit the women of the land. Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, saw her, took her, and violated her. Deeply infatuated with Dinah, Shechem sought to marry her, and his father Hamor approached Jacob to arrange the marriage.

Jacob's sons were outraged by the defilement of their sister. "Now Jacob’s sons had come in from the field when they heard about it, and they were deeply grieved and furious, because Shechem had committed an outrage in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done" (Genesis 34:7). Despite Shechem's willingness to make amends and offer a generous bride price, the sons of Jacob deceitfully agreed to the marriage on the condition that all the males in Shechem's city be circumcised.

On the third day, when the men of the city were in pain from the circumcision, Simon and Levi took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing all the males, including Shechem and Hamor. They rescued Dinah and plundered the city. Jacob rebuked Simon and Levi for their actions, fearing retaliation from the surrounding Canaanite tribes: "Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, 'You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed'" (Genesis 34:30).

Theological Implications

The actions of Simon and Levi highlight the destructive nature of revenge. While their anger over Dinah's defilement was understandable, their response was disproportionate and fueled by deceit and violence. The Bible consistently teaches that vengeance belongs to God alone. In Deuteronomy 32:35, the Lord declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay." Similarly, the New Testament echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:19: "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'"

Simon and Levi's revenge had lasting consequences. In Jacob's final blessings to his sons, he recalled their violent actions and prophesied their dispersion: "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, so fierce, and their fury, so cruel! I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel" (Genesis 49:5-7).

Conclusion

The account of Simon and Levi serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of revenge. It underscores the biblical principle that human vengeance is not only unjust but also invites further conflict and divine disapproval. The narrative invites believers to trust in God's justice and to seek reconciliation and peace, rather than retribution.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 34:25
And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took each man his sword, and came on the city boldly, and slew all the males.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"He Ordained Twelve"
... Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the ... There were the publican,
Levi-Matthew, and the fiery zealot Simon, the uncompromising hater ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 30 he ordained twelve.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... developed upon the only one of Simon's sons still ... members of the Sanhedrin fell victims
to his revenge. ... the guilty.' More than that, R. Levi saith: Yehoyaribh ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... Besides, had there been among the apostles any more Gentiles save Simon the Canaanite,
or if this Levi James had been here, I think the Holy Ghost would, to ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... Besides, had there been among the apostles any more Gentiles save Simon the Canaanite;
or if this Levi James had been [one] here, I think the Holy Ghost would ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... Simeon and Levi took a nefarious revenge on the ... though chastised, are still invited
to repentance (2:Thess.3:6). Not even is Simon Magus thrown into despair. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm