Simeon: The Unstable Son of Jacob. The story of Simeon is one of promise tainted by violence. Born to Leah as her second son, his very name testifies to God’s attentiveness — “the Lord has heard.” Yet Simeon’s legacy is overshadowed by rashness, cruelty, and eventual obscurity among the tribes of Israel. His life, and the fate of his descendants, stand as a sobering reminder of how zeal without righteousness can derail God-given potential.

Dinah: The Daughter of Jacob and the Tragedy at Shechem. Dinah, the only named daughter of Jacob and Leah, is central to one of the most troubling episodes in Genesis. Her story in Genesis 34 reveals the vulnerability of women in the ancient world, the dangers of compromise with surrounding nations, and the fiery zeal of her brothers Simeon and Levi.