Why is God's mercy important in the story of Jacob's sons?

Throughout the narrative of Jacob's sons, particularly with Simeon and Levi, we see a stark contrast between human cruelty and divine mercy. Despite their heinous actions against Shechem's city, Jacob's prophetic words include a promise of scattering them throughout Israel, which signifies God's purpose for redemption. This scattering is not merely punishment; it is part of God's sovereign plan to bring forth His chosen people and the fulfillment of His promises. God's mercy is foundational, as it invites us to see that no sin is beyond His reach for forgiveness and transformation, thereby calling us to trust in His grace. Ultimately, it reveals that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans encompass the eternal redemption of His elect through Christ.