In his final words to Shimon and Levi, Yaakov reminded them of their response to the city of Shechem whom they held responsible for the physical violation of their sister Dina. In a burst of righteous anger, the two brothers killed the entire male population of the town.
“Cursed be their anger for it is powerful, and their fury for it is cruel. I will disperse them throughout Yaakov and scatter them throughout [the land of] Israel.” (49:7)
Rashi explains that the members of Shimon became scribes and teachers requiring them to disperse among the rest of the tribes. Similarly, Levi was made to scatter to fields across the country to collect tithes to survive.
In this way, the capacity of these two tribes to band together and cause mayhem would be reduced.
R’ Meir Don Plotzki explains that someone who is quick to anger cannot teach, and someone who relies on handouts, usually cannot afford to start fights with others. So Yaakov’s blessing was designed to tamper down the anger that that these tribes were genetically disposed to.
The Tur notes that Yaakov’s solution for his two hot-headed sons was actually to the benefit of them and the entire community.
Having members of these tribes interact with the young as educators and with the mainstream businesspeople at their places of business, ensured that Shimonites and Levites, who had a bit of fire in the belly and spring in their footsteps, would pass the spark onto the rest of the Jewish people.
As is evident in contemporary society, where the general population has retreated into their comfort zones and relax in predictability, some thirst for something exciting, something new, even if the cause is illogical and even evil.
Yaakov understood that Shimon and Levi have a vital role in ensuring the ongoing energy of the Jewish people.
