S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Each of the twelve sons of Israel received a blessing from their father, Jacob, just before his death. The twelve sons were the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the blessing containe...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What should we learn from the tribe of Simeon?

From the Tribe of Simeon, we learn about the dangers of uncontrolled anger, the importance of discerning influences, the necessity of balancing zeal with wisdom, and God's enduring faithfulness even amid discipline and decline, showing His grace covers imperfect people and His redemptive plan continues. Their story warns against rash actions (like the Shechem incident) and shows that discipline doesn't mean abandonment, as they were still included in God's promises and in the land, albeit scattered. 

Lessons from Simeon's Story:

1: Beware of Uncontrolled Anger: Simeon's violent reaction with Levi to the defilement of Dinah shows how uncontrolled anger leads to sin and devastation, even when motivated by a desire for justice.

2: Discern Influences: Simeon was easily swayed, demonstrating the need to listen to godly counsel rather than those who lead us astray, as "whoever has one's ear has one's future".

3: Balance Zeal with Wisdom: While zealous for justice, Simeon lacked wisdom, teaching us to separate the sinner from the sin and act with God's perfect justice, not rash human fury.

4: God's Discipline vs. Abandonment: Though scattered and diminished (absorbed partly into Judah), the tribe's continued presence in prophecy (Revelation 7) shows God disciplines but doesn't erase His people, reflecting His covenant faithfulness and grace.

5: The lessons from the tribe of Simeon revolve around the consequences of unchecked anger, the nature of divine discipline, and the eventual restoration through grace.

6: Jacob's prophecy that the tribe would be "scattered and dispersed" was literally fulfilled through centuries of decline. 

What prompted Jacob's words of disapproval to Simeon? (Genesis 49:5-7)

Using strong words of disapproval, Jacob addresses Simeon and Levi. Years earlier, Jacob's daughter, Dinah, had been raped by a Canaanite man named Shechem. Understandably, all of Jacob's sons were very upset about what had happened to their sister, but Simeon and Levi became violent. They deceitfully promised to make peace with the men of Shechem if they all agreed to get circumcised. The men complied. While they were still in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi each took his sword.

How were Jacob's prophetic words about Simeon fulfilled? (See also the box "Jacob's Deathbed Prophecy.”)

Jacob was deeply troubled by the violent actions of his two sons. He foretold that they would be dispersed and scattered throughout Israel. Those prophetic words came true over 200 years later when the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land. The tribe of Simeon received isolated portions of land within Judah's tribal territory as its inheritance. (Josh. 19:1) 

Despite their decline and the "curse" of dispersion, God did not completely erase the tribe of Simeon. 

Redemption from Failure: Simeonites were still counted among the "mighty men of valour" who supported David's coronation.

Future Hope: In the New Testament, Simeon is listed as one of the tribes from which 12,000 are "sealed" in the end times (Revelation 7:7).

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