INTRODUCTION
The previous message introduced the brethren traits in Jacob’s prophecy, starting with the ‘firstborn’ Rueben, in the context of earthly Rulers who represent God’s power over their brethren. It alerts rulers to be mindful of ‘pride of power’ and lusts in decision-making so to avoid being “unstable as water”. They should commit their decision-making to God, who gives wisdom to rule.
This message examines the “instruments of cruelty”, a trait that describes the Simeon and Levi “brethren” in Jacob’s prophecy. It illustrates how conspiracies, secret plots, deceits, lies, anger, wrath and wilfulness can snare the innocent into the web of brethren cruelty. It provides guidance on how one may avoid them.
1.“BRETHREN” AS CONSPIRATORS
Jacob describes Simeon and Levi as “brethren” in a separate category from the other brothers. By referring to them as “brethren” Jacob seeks to emphasise the conspiratorial and conniving element that is characteristic of their trait, which distinguishes them from the other brethren. (Genesis 49:5). The Simeon and Levi “brethren” describe people who conspire, connive and secretly plot evil schemes to inflict harm on others within the brethren-relationship.
2. “INSTRUMENTS OF CRUELTY”
Jacob, says of the Simeon and Levi brethren, “instruments of cruelty are in their habitations”. (Genesis 49:5). In other words, the Simeon and Levi brethren-type, are people who harbour evil intentions and would perpetuate cruel acts against others. The traits that describe “instruments of cruelty” include, deceit, secrecy, anger and wilfulness.
The conduct of Simeon and Levi towards Hamor and his son Shechem, exemplifies these traits. Both brothers deceitfully agreed to allow Shechem to marry Dinah, their sister, if they would circumcise every male of the Hevite city. (Genesis 34:8-22). However, after Hamor circumcised them, Simeon and Levi wickedly slew all their males, afflicted their women and children and coveted all their wealth. (Genesis 34:27-29).
Let us now examine the operation of the “instruments of cruelty”:
2.1 DECEIT AND SECRECY
Brethren, deceit and secrecy are the most potent ‘instruments of cruelty’. This is because both are deployed to hide evil schemes and their perpetrators. Secrecy and deceits also help to make the evil plots of the conniving “brethren”, unsuspecting to the innocent prey.
Such brethren “encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily they say, who shall see them?” They would diligently seek evil since both their inward thought and their heart is “deep”. (Psalm 64:5-6).
For example, because all their thoughts are against the innocent for evil, they will twist his words and will gather together and hide themselves and mark his steps, in wait to trap him. Such was the case of Jesus, whose “brethren” the Pharisees, constantly twisted his words and plotted to trap him (Psalm 56:5-6; Matthew 22:15; Mark 12:13; Luke 20:20-26).
Also, the Simeon and Levi type people, thrive in ‘speaking deceit’ and will not speak the truth. They will pretend to speak peaceably to their brethren with their mouth, but in heart, they lay in wait to exact evil upon him. In the words of the psalmist, they “whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words…that they may shoot in secret at the perfect…” The “bitter words” are the “lies” which “they have taught their tongue to speak…”(Psalm 64:3-4; 52:2-4; Jeremiah 9:3, 5 & 8).
Thus, deceit, lies and conspiracies work together to ensnare the innocent into the web of the “brethren” cruelty.
2.2 ANGER AND WILFULNESS
Anger and wilfulness are also amongst the ‘instruments of cruelty’. Jacob locates these traits in the wicked acts of Simeon and Levi against the Hevite saying: “for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel”. (Genesis 49:6-7).
We see the operation of the instruments of anger and wilfulness in Joab and his brother Abishai, when they secretly conspired against Abner, army commander of Israel. King David had forgiven Abner and let him go in peace; but unknowing to David, “Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died…” (2 Samuel 3:19-39).
Brethren, anger and selfwill work together to cultivate cruelty because they are usually fuelled by malice, unforgiveness, spite, vindictiveness, meanness, viciousness, and treachery. And these traits also nurture in deceit and secrecy to hide the evil intentions.
3. WE LIVE AMONG CRUEL BRETHREN
Jacob also prophesised that the Levi and Simeon “brethren” will be divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel. (Genesis 49:7). Jeremiah also warns that “[our] habitation is in the midst of deceit…”; and that one’s brethren and the house of one’s father can deal treacherously and conspire against you. So, he advices us saying: “believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.” (Jeremiah 9:6; 12:6).
It is therefore crucial for all to be aware that the “brethren” bearing “instruments of cruelty” exists in every brethren relationship; be it families, tribes, communities, organisations and countries. But it is also important to understand that they also exist among the wicked and among some brethren who pose as the people of God. And even God’s “firstborn” kings and rulers are powerless under the web of the “brethren” instruments of cruelty. (2 Samuel 3:39).
Brethren, although we may be exposed and vulnerable to the evil desires of our cruel “brethren”, we could take steps to avoid them.
4. AVOIDING THE PATHS OF CRUELTY
Jacob warns of the Simeon and Levi “brethren” saying: “O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united”. Prophet Jeremiah prays to get away from his brethren, because “they be assembly of treacherous men”. (Genesis 49:6; Psalm 64:2; Jeremiah 9:2). For such people “… sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.” (Proverbs 4:16).
It is prudent to heed these warnings and avoid the paths of cruelty. To do this, one should first guard one’s emotions from fierce anger, willfulness, wrath and wicked imaginations, which are catalysts for cruelty.
Also, “enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away” (Proverbs 4:14-15). The path of the wicked and the way of evil men are conspiracies, secret plots and “speaking deceit”, which are lies that may hurt your brethren or snare them into a pit.
Finally, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man”. Therefore, “TRUST YE NOT IN ANY BRETHREN”! (Psalm 118:8-9; Jeremiah 9:4). Know that the snares of deceits, lies and anger are made more effective when we do not put ALL our trusts in the Almighty God, and walk in his paths of righteousness. For only God can deliver from evil! (Psalm 31:1-4; 23:3; Matthew 6:13).
Remember that God hates a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies and one that sows discord among brethren.(Proverbs 4:14-15; 6: 16- 19).
PRAYER
Almighty Father, thank You for Your word.
We give You glory, praise and honour O Lord.
Dear Lord, guard our hearts and minds from deceits, lying, anger and self-will.
Gracious Father, grant us the spirit to forgive our brethren who may have snared us.
God of all Power, deliver us from the secret counsel of the wicked, the snare of the fowler, and their noisome pestilence. Pull us out of the net that they have laid privily for us: for You are our strength.
Great God, help us to trust in thy mercy forever and ever.
In Jesus Name we pray.
Have a blessed week.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 17/01/2021.
