International Children’s Bible

Genesis 49:1-6 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

1. Then Jacob called his sons to him. He said, “Come here to me. I will tell you what will happen to you in the future.

2. “Come together and listen, sons of Jacob.Listen to Israel, your father.

3. “Reuben, my first son, you are my strength.Your birth showed I could be a father.You have the highest position among my sons.You are the most powerful.

4. But you are uncontrolled like water.So you will no longer lead your brothers.This is because you got into your father’s bed.You shamed me by having physical relations with my slave girl.

5. “Simeon and Levi are brothers.They used their swords to do violence.

6. I will not join their secret talks.I will not meet with them to plan evil.They killed men because they were angry.And they crippled oxen just for fun.