Jacob’s Twelve Sons — Levi
From Levi came the priestly tribe of Israel beginning with Aaron and his sons. This is affirmed in the instructions given to Moses, when the Lord said, “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office” (Exodus 28:1). Levi’s three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari were heads of the three branches of the Levites, (Numbers 3:17-39).
When Jacob blessed Levi a curse was pronounced on him because he had joined with Simeon in their cruel and vindictive dealings with Shechem (Genesis 34:25-31). We further read, “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” (Genesis 49:7). This shows two things. First, we see the righteousness of God in His governmental ways with His people. This in no way sets aside the reward for faithful conduct, either before or after. The Lord will never forget what we do for Him, nor will it go unrewarded, in spite of our failure. Second, we see that blessing for Levi, as for us, was only on the ground of pure, sovereign grace.
