Examination of the scriptures reveals a possible reason for this exclusion. Long before this, Jacob (Israel) had cut Simeon and Levi off from their inheritance due to their cruelty.

Genesis 49 records, “Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not you into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not you united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel” (vs. 5-7). These scriptures are in reference to their actions in Genesis 34:25-29.

Joshua 19:1 explains that as a result, the Simeonites did, in fact, intermingle with the “inheritance of the children of Judah.” The Levites were also mixed with the other tribes, and dwelt in the cities (Josh. 14:3-4).

These Scriptures record how Jacob’s words were fulfilled—the tribe Simeon was divided and scattered among the other tribes! Although they were not cursed, they missed out on the same blessing the others had received.