Today’s passage: Genesis 34:1-31
Helpful thoughts:
- The mention of Dinah wanting to meet the women of the land carries a negative connotation (27:46). But it also assures the reader, Dinah had no intentions to spend time with any of the men.
- Shechem sinned and violated Dinah. He sinfully followed his selfish desires to take her in the first place. Once he wanted Dinah to be his wife, he continued to follow his passions into making huge promises and offers.
- The sons of Jacob used deception as their father had many times. But, their deception went further than anything their father had ever done.
- Circumcision for the children of Israel was to be a sign of blessing. It was used in this instance as a deception and path to destruction.
- Jacob previously feared Esau’s revenge. Now he had reason to fear the revenge of the surrounding people in Canaan. His household could have been known and regarded as invaders and killers. The people could have felt threatened and fought back.
Questions to consider:
- All the brothers (Or most) were involved in the deception and the looting, but Jacob specifically called out Simeon and Levi. Why were they the focus of his rebuke? What did they do that went beyond justice for Dinah’s defiling?
- Did Simeon’s and Levi’s response to Jacob’s rebuke convey understanding or repentance? Why were they right to be offended and desire to defend the honor of their sister? Why were they wrong in how they went about it?
- What was the condition of the sons of Israel? Were they perfect angels? Honorable men without sin? What did they need from God just as we do (Romans 6:23)?