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1
Brothers in Cruelty
When Jacob calls Simeon and Levi "brethren," commentators agree he means more than just their shared parents. He is identifying them as partners in character, united by a fierce, cruel, and vengeful disposition. Their shared temperament led them to conspire together in the massacre of the Shechemites, making them brothers in violence as much as in blood.
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Genesis
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Genesis 49:1–33
18th Century
Theologian
מכרה mekêrāh — “weapon;” related: כיר kārar or כרה kārāh dig. “Device, design?” related: …
Charles Ellicott
On Genesis 49:5
19th Century
Bishop
Simeon and Levi are brethren. —That is, they are alike in character and disposition. Despising the feeble Reuben, they se…
Charles Spurgeon
On Genesis 49:4–7
19th Century
Preacher
Because you went up to your father's bed; then you defiled it: he went up to my couch. Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are…
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John Calvin
On Genesis 49:5
16th Century
Theologian
Simeon and Levi are brethren. He condemns the massacre of the city of Shechem by his two sons Simon and Levi, and denounces the punishment…
John Gill
On Genesis 49:5
17th Century
Pastor
Simeon and Levi are brothers Not because they were so in a natural sense, being brethren both by father and mother's side…
Matthew Henry
On Genesis 49:3–7
17th Century
Minister
Reuben was the firstborn; but by gross sin, he forfeited the birthright. The character of Reuben is that he was unstable as water. Men do not thriv…