- Scripture: Genesis 34:1–17
- The Anchor: “The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully, because he had defiled their sister Dinah.” – Genesis 34:13 (ESV)
Shechem defiles Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, and then asks Jacob to give him Dinah for marriage. Jacob heard about what Shechem did to Dinah, but he held his peace until his sons came. Hamor, Shechem’s father, tries to negotiate with Jacob to get Dinah married to his son, promoting cultural assimilation, but Jacob’s sons answer him deceitfully since Shechem defiled Dinah. Some of them tell the lie that if the people of the land get circumcised, then they will intermarry.
I can’t help but think that Jacob ignoring God’s commands to go to Bethel was a really bad idea. God is showing love even though Jacob doesn’t listen fully.
God’s promise from Abraham’s time shows how God wants to keep his people holy. This may be a reason why the sons of Jacob stand up for Dinah. I noticed that Jacob didn’t act at first, but he was just lazy. Instead, he waited for his sons to come help him.
Reflection
- You pointed out that Jacob ignoring God’s commands to go to Bethel and settling short in Shechem was a really bad idea. Are you currently ignoring a clear command from God because settling where you are seems easier?
- When his daughter was defiled, Jacob didn’t act at first and was passive, waiting around for his sons to come help him instead of leading. When difficult situations pop up around you, do you default to being passive or lazy, or do you actively step up to do what is right?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing me love even when I do not listen to You fully. Keep me from ignoring Your directions or settling down in places that bring trouble to my family. Forgive my passivity, and give me the spiritual alertness to stand up for holiness and protect those around me. Amen.