Deuteronomy 33:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Simeon does not receive a blessing due to the curse laid upon him by his father Jacob for his violence against the Shechemites (Genesis 49:7). Rather than repenting for his initial wrongdoing, he compounded it by causing the demise of 'twenty-four thousand' (Numbers 25:9), who were struck down by a plague as a result of their sins. Conversely, Levi, who was also cursed alongside Simeon, was granted a blessing by Moses. This was primarily due to the fervent actions of the Levites, who took a stand against their fellow Israelites who worshipped the golden calf. Additionally, Levi's blessing was influenced by the zealous act of Phinehas the Levite, who confronted and killed Zamvrias, the son of Salmon.

The grace bestowed upon the Levites is immense, as described by Moses in his blessing: “Give unto Levi his men, give unto Levi those who are known to him, give unto Levi the lot of his election, and the truth thereof, unto the holy man, who was tempted with trials, and whose honor was contested over the waters of strife. He who says to his father and mother, ‘I do not know you,’ and does not acknowledge his brothers or deny his children, he keeps your words and observes your covenant” (Deuteronomy 33:8-9). Possibly, Levi is presented as a foreshadowing of the Lord. These individuals, then, are His servants, led by Him, harboring no deceit in their hearts. They uphold His words, cherishing them within, much like Mary reflected on them (Cf. Lk. 2:19, 51).

Having bestowed blessings upon the royal tribe, he then moved to the priestly order, proclaiming, ‘You shall reveal his presence to Levi, and his faithfulness to the one who is honored. The message was entrusted to the hands of the priest, encompassing both the revelation and the truth, through which numerous mysteries were unveiled. However, the truth is interwoven with the revelation because the revelation is unattainable in itself. He who faced temptation confronted him at the waters of dispute. Moses remembers what transpired for him and his brother.