1. Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, "Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come.
2. "Gather together and hear, O sons of Jacob; And listen to Israel your father.
3. "Reuben, you are my firstborn; My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.
4. "Uncontrolled as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father's bed; Then you defiled it-he went up to my couch.
5. "Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence.
6. "Let my soul not enter into their council; Let not my glory be united with their assembly; Because in their anger they slew men, And in their self-will they lamed oxen.