Genesis 49:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In conclusion, after recounting the actions of Simeon and Levi, James includes a condemnation, stating, “Cursed is their anger, for it is cruel, and their fury, for it is fierce.” This refers to the cunning they employed against the Shechemites, misleading them and attacking them treacherously; their anger is described as brazen, hasty, and reckless. The Shechemites, believing they would gain their favor, were instead met with fierce hostility and treated as adversaries. Following his remarks on their wrongdoing, James also hints at the consequences they would face: “I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” He indicates that they will be dispersed widely, ensuring that all will recognize this as a punishment for their brazen actions.

Let us listen to the voices of those who have struck down such a holy young man: ‘Cursed be their wrath, for it is harsh, and their rage, for it is fierce.’ What have they endured? They are dispossessed of their homeland, have abandoned their native soil, are scattered, and wander as exiles, strangers, and the destitute. Indeed, just as a bird feels when it leaves its nest, so does a man feel when he is forced from his home. However, it is important to note that for those who have attacked the veins of the young man, this act will be a curse. In contrast, for those who grieve and seek to rid themselves of such a grievous sin, it will lead to redemption, purification, and forgiveness of transgressions. This is further illustrated by the teachings of the Law.

Cursed be their anger, for it grew fierce against the Shechemites. Their wrath intensified, as from the moment the Shechemites convinced the sons of Jacob to allow their sister to marry Shechem, until they underwent circumcision and faced illness as a consequence, a considerable amount of time elapsed. Yet throughout this period, the anger of Simeon and Levi remained unchecked. I will separate them within Jacob, indicating a division between them. Following the curse, they will no longer share the unity they once had. They acted in collusion, without consulting their brothers, to seek revenge for the dishonor of Dinah. I will divide them in Jacob, meaning among Jacob's descendants, and scatter them throughout Israel, among the tribes of Israel.

He continues by declaring, "Cursed be their fury, for it is unchecked, and their wrath, for it is fierce. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel." Levi did not obtain a personal inheritance; instead, he was allocated numerous cities among the tribes for his dwelling. Concerning Simeon, it is noted in the book of Joshua that he, too, lacked a personal inheritance, receiving land within the boundaries of Judah. The book of Chronicles elaborates that since Simeon had increased in number but had no land to inhabit, he ventured into the wilderness.

He also addressed Simeon and Levi, stating that he would divide them in Jacob and scatter them among Israel. This indicates that they would find redemption in the assembly of the nations. For after the shepherd has been struck, the flock that was once gathered is dispersed (Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31)—that He who was not present may enter, leading to the salvation of all Israel (Rom. 11:26). Furthermore, we must have even greater faith regarding the tribe of Levi, as it appears this lineage is what the Lord Jesus identifies with concerning the body He took on. From this tribe came the priests Levi and Nathan, who are mentioned by St. Luke as part of the Lord's genealogy in the Gospel he authored (Luke 3:29-31).

He does not condemn individuals, but rather their wicked desires, their wrath, their fury. He equates anger with desire, as anger springs from it, and one who harbors anger is driven by a wish to retaliate against an adversary. This punishment served merely as a preliminary indication. Indeed, He declares, ‘I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.’ The tribe of Levi was dispersed due to exceptional honor, ensuring that within each tribe there would be Levites and priests, allowing all to derive blessings from them. They were not granted a distinct inheritance; rather, cities were designated to them in each tribe, along with a specified amount of land within the borders. Meanwhile, the tribe of Simeon received no separate inheritance, but, as foretold by the Patriarch, was intermingled with the other tribes.

He referred to their wrath as the fury in which they persistently tensed their bow, resisting the Holy Spirit. "I will divide them by Jacob, and scatter them by Israel." Who were Jacob and Israel if not the sacred firstborn of God? Those who rebelled against Him now faced scattering across the globe, having been vanquished by their adversaries.

In terms of historical interpretation, this passage condemns the actions of those who, through deceit and malice, murdered Shechem, the son of Hamor. Shechem sought to join the people of Israel after having relations with their sister. In retaliating, he caused the deaths of all his people, prompting their father Israel to say, "Ye have made me hateful in this world" (Gen. 34:13-29). Consequently, Israel denounces their rage and foolishness, foretelling that they will be dispersed among the tribes of Israel. Ultimately, it is from this lineage that the Levites and priests will arise, who will not have their own designated portion of land.

Simeon and Levi were not granted the privileges of the firstborn. Their propensity for violence is marked by a curse, and their descendants are fated to be dispersed among the tribes of their brothers.

I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. To prevent the dangerous unity of the two brothers from being replicated by their offspring, Jacob determined that they should be separated—that is, the tribes of Simeon and Levi were not to be adjacent; and scattered, meaning that neither tribe was to inhabit a singular location but to be distributed among the various tribes of the children of Israel. This decision initially applied to the tribe of Simeon, which was situated amidst the territory of the children of Judah (Hab. 19:1), and therefore distinct from the other tribes. Due to a lack of suitable grazing land in its original inheritance, this tribe later had to extend its settlements to Gedor and Seir (1 Chronicles 4:38-43).