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In our Torah portion for this week (Vayechi), Jacob cursed the anger of Simeon and Levi because it was az (עָז) - "intense" (Gen. 49:7). Undoubtedly Jacob recalled their revenge upon the inhabitants of Shechem for the abuse of Dinah, but such intense anger, or rage, is regarded as a type of idolatry because it overwhelms the soul and "drives away" the Divine Presence (James 1:20). Therefore Jacob said "let my soul come not into their council; O my glory, be not joined to their company," and then prophesied that God would divide and scatter them throughout Israel. Yet despite this prophecy, God singularly chose the Levites to draw close to Him to serve as Israel's priestly class. The sages explain that anger, if not az or intense, imparts a sense of mission, determination, loyalty, and steadfast passion, and therefore it can be sanctified for real good. The proper use of anger may help a person survive in the face of grave adversity. Anger gives focus and strength to the soul, though it must be entirely yielded to God in the heart of worship (Psalm 4:4).
Hebrew Lesson
Psalm 119:10 reading (click):
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