Levi

Third son of Jacob and Leah. Ancestor of the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel.

The Shechem Incident

Together with his brother Simeon, Levi avenged the assault on their sister Dinah by killing the men of Shechem (Genesis 34). This violence was condemned by Jacob.

Priestly Line

Through his grandson Amram, Levi became the ancestor of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. The Levites were set apart for religious service and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes.

Jacob’s Blessing

Jacob’s curse on Levi’s anger (Genesis 49:5-7) was transformed into a blessing when the Levites were scattered throughout Israel not as punishment, but as priests and teachers serving in every region.