Genesis 49:1-7 ▼

1 Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come:

2 Come together and listen, O sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.

3 Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.

4 Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.

5 Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.

6 May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim.

7 Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.