Why Simeon and Levi Were Scattered and Set Apart

"Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce" (Genesis 49:7). At the hour they killed Shechem and all the men of the city, they did not take counsel with their father, and their wrath was cursed exceedingly. Therefore "I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel" — to raise up from Simeon scribes and teachers in synagogues, and from the tribe of Levi houses of study where they would occupy themselves with Torah. Another explanation: "Simeon and Levi are brothers." And were they not all brothers? Rather, they were brothers in counsel. They took counsel against Shechem and destroyed it, as it is said, "And the two sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, took" (Genesis 34:25). And they took counsel against Joseph, for they sought to kill him, as it is said, "And they said to one another, Behold, this dreamer comes; now come, let us kill him" (Genesis 37:19-20). Who were they? If you say Reuben — behold, Reuben sought to save him, as it is said, "And Reuben heard and saved him from their hands." If you say Judah — behold, he said, "What profit is it if we kill our brother" (Genesis 37:26). And if you say the sons of the handmaids — behold, it is already said, "and he was a youth with the sons of Bilhah." Rather, who were they? These are Simeon and Levi, of whom it is written, "Simeon and Levi are brothers." And likewise when they came to Egypt, Joseph said: If I leave Simeon and Levi in one place, they will take counsel and destroy the great metropolis of Egypt. Therefore he separated Simeon from Levi, as it is said, "And he took Simeon from them" (Genesis 42:24). And once he separated them, Levi was left alone, as it is said, "And one opened his sack" (Genesis 42:27) — was there only one? Rather, this is Levi, who was left alone from his pair. At that hour the strength of Levi weakened. Therefore it is said, "Simeon and Levi are brothers."