Simeon and Levi Strike Shechem Trusting in Jacob's Strength

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 34:25

"And two of Jacob's sons took [Simeon and Levi]." From the implication of what is said, "Simeon and Levi," do I not know that they are the sons of Jacob? Rather, [it teaches that they are] the sons of Jacob who did not take counsel one from the other. "The brothers of Dinah." Now, was she the sister of these two and not the sister of the rest? Rather, because they gave themselves over on her behalf, she is called by their name. "And they came upon [the city] securely." They were secure in the strength of the old man. Jacob said: I will not leave my sons, that they should fall into the hand of the nations of the world who would join together against them; I will fight against them. This is what is written: "Which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow" (Genesis 18:22).

Themes

Biblical References