Bribery for Offense

Bribery for Offense

Genesis 34: ¹¹ Then Shechem said to her father and her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you say to me I will give. ¹² Ask me ever so much dowry and gift, and I will give according to what you say to me; but give me the young woman as a wife.”

 

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Shechem decided to speak up. He thought it would be a good idea to bribe Jacob and Dinah’s brothers by offering a dowry for his violation.

 

My Observations:

• Shechem was probably used to getting what he wanted because the city was named after him.
• Shechem may have thought money would always be the answer for his problems, even the one’s he caused.
• Shechem had no regard for Dinah, Jacob or her brothers and figured a bribe would smooth over his wrong.

 

Thinking money was the solution, Shechem tried to bribe the family into getting his way. He already took what he wanted without considering the consequences. Being rich and powerful, he may have felt he was above the law. BUT GOD saw what he did.

 

In many ways, we think like Shechem. We recklessly break things in life, hoping money will fix the problem. Shechem seemed arrogant enough to approach the family with such an offer. He was raised in rebellion to GOD, much like the other Canaanites. He seemed to live life like anything goes. Little did he know, GOD saw every action.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Shechem’s bribery attempt?
• Have you ever messed up and thought money could buy you out of the problem you made?
• Instead of bribery, will you consider confessing to GOD and allow HIM to correct you so HE can place you back on HIS path?