Simeon and Levi : Instruments of Cruelty (Part I)

Gen 49:5 Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. 6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

Simeon and Levi came from a good home. They are brothers and must have shared many things. They were a pair that could have been united to do great things for God. They were close as brothers usually are – but they also had a sister called Dinah, who was defiled by Shechem the son of Hamor – the Hivite.

This infuriated them and caused them to execute a plot of violent murderous revenge. They were ruled by their violent passions … to be ruled by your passions is to be highly reactive and uncontrollable. How can God trust the power to work out a great destiny if this power will one day be misused. It is a great virtue to learn to be patient, quiet and be deliberate …never reacting to anything …most certainly never walking in revenge. We must take time to reflect over issues and discover that what has happened in the past must be released to God. Indeed, there may be pains we bear for acts of perceived injustice but consider Christ that dwells in us likened as a lamb going to be slaughtered who had all power to resist but refused to say a word of defense as he was led to the cross to be killed for our sins.

There are injustices we must bear without reacting in anger. This reflects the nature of the sheep of the pasture of Christ. Justice must be left in the hands of the righteous judge who knows details beyond what you can ever rationalize in your mind. Leave revenge to God, instead praying to release issues and also for those who hurt and curse us. As we release the baggage of past hurts we are strengthened to move forward into higher levels with God.

Song.

Soft as the voice of an angel, Breathing a lesson unheard,

Hope with a gentle persuasion whispers her comforting word:

Wait till the darkness is over, wait till the tempest is done,

Hope for the sunshine tomorrow, after the shower is gone.

If, in the dusk of the twilight, dim be the region afar,

Will not the deepening darkness brighten the glimmering star?

Then when the night is upon us, why should the heart sink away?

When the dark midnight is over, watch for the breaking of day.

Hope, as an anchor so steadfast, rends the dark veil for the soul,

Whither the Master has entered, robbing the grave of its goal.

Come then, O come, glad fruition, come to my sad weary heart;

Come, O Thou blest hope of glory, never, O never depart.

Whispering hope, oh how welcome thy voice,

Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

Prayer : Lord, Jesus …meek and mild and my hope of glory – never depart from me. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa