Revenge Put in Motion

Revenge Put in Motion

Genesis 34: ¹³ But the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father, and spoke deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah their sister. ¹⁴ And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a reproach to us. ¹⁵ But on this condition we will consent to you: If you will become as we are, if every male of you is circumcised, ¹⁶ then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us; and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. ¹⁷ But if you will not heed us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone.”

 

¹⁸ And their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son. ¹⁹ So the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was more honorable than all the household of his father.

 

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Hearing about the violation of Dinah, her brothers decided to do something about it. They deceived Shechem and Hamor by telling them they needed to become circumcised. This way the men of Shechem would become like the men of Israel, Jacob’s sons.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob’s sons were furious enough to plan out revenge.
• Jacob’s household followed the covenant given to Abraham, that all males born or servants who worked for the family, would be circumcised.
• Shechem was first in line, probably dreaming of having Dinah as his wife.

 

GOD told Abraham to be circumcised when he was ninety-nine. HE also said that males had to be circumcised on the eighth day, or when the child is eight days old. Jacob and his entire family followed this covenant. Jacob’s son’s knew this process would be painful for adults, so they added it to their plan.

 

Shechem, blinded by getting his way, fell into the trap created by Jacob’s sons. He was so used to getting his way that this plan looked like he had won over Jacob and his family. He thought that the men of Shechem would be excited about being able to marry the daughters of Jacob, so he got first in line. GOD saw the plan for revenge put in place.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the plan for revenge put in place by Jacob’s sons?
• Have you ever thought about taking revenge on someone?
• Can you let go of any ill will you may have against someone and allow GOD to own vengeance?