For sin against the Shechemites (Genesis 34:1–31, Simeon (and Levi) was cursed: the tribe would be scattered throughout the land, not receiving their own special tribal land (Genesis 49:5–7; Deuteronomy 22:22–29). For Levi, the Lord turned this curse into a blessing: the tribe became the priests of Israel and dwelt in the Levitical cities (Deuteronomy 33:8–11). But up until now, salvation had not come for Simeon. So by now identifying themselves with the royal tribe, Simeon finds salvation. The blessings that come to the tribe of Judah will come to Simeon as well. (Indeed, this had already been set out in Joshua 19:1–9, where it is stated that Simeon’s land was taken out of Judah’s territory.)
1
3 And Judah said to Simeon his brother, “Come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we may fight against the Canaanites. And I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you.” So Simeon went with him.