The account of Jacob’s daughter Dinah being violated helps us understand how difficult it is to live around ungodly people, and the temptation we have to adopt their methods. Dinah is defiled by Shechem, the son of the ruler of that area. According to Walter Bruggemann the Hebrew word translated “defilement” or “violated” is used only in this chapter in Genesis. It is used in Leviticus and refers to ritual impurity. One may interpret then that not only was Dinah sexually violated but was forced to do it as a religious act probably to a fertility god. Prostitutes were usually used to fill that service. So, Dinah was violated in two ways.
Shechem’s father wants to make it right, and apparently so does Shechem. So, they bargain with Jacob and his sons. The bargain from the sons was that the men would have to be circumcised to show their allegiance to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They agreed. Though it smacks more of an economic decision on their part than a religious one. Jacob’s sons live up to their father’s name and they tricked the Shechemites. Three days later without Jacob’s knowledge or approval the sons of Jacob killed the Shechemites while in their weakened condition. Then they took their possessions. When Jacob found out he gave his disapproval.
I learn several things from this account. One, two wrongs don’t make a right. Jacob’s sons had a right to be upset, but did not have the right to take matters into their own hands. Two, religious fervency must not be allowed to go without wisdom and faith. I am sure that the brothers were outraged and mixed in with their motives was the defense of God, but they had impure motives as well (revenge, envy of their possessions, etc.) This should keep us reminded that we must keep our passion grounded in God’s principles.
“Lord, help me look to You in this sinful and impure world we live in. Keep my passion focused on Your Kingdom and not my will, ego or thoughts. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen. “
About Me
- Robert and Ray Miller
- Robert is the pastor of First Baptist Texas City, Tx. And Ray is the pastor of First Baptist Mertens, Tx. Robert brings over 30 years of biblical study as a pastor. Ray brings a younger perspective to the Bible and also a command of the original languages. Our greatest passion is to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.
2 comments:
I think it was Phillo that says that Dinah was 14 at the time of the rape . Most people get the impression that these cities were large and had lots of people but the realty was that they may have only 20 or 30 men in them so when Simon and Levi went and killed them it was quite ease to do. This is also why Judah is given the blessing from Jacob
I agree with the comments made by Robert and Ray that our religious fervency must be done in accordance with God's direction and not from our own personal agendas. Almost always our own personal agendas will lead us down the wrong path. The teachings of Christ are opposite the thinkings of our carnal natures. We become great by serving; we live by dying to self; we gain by giving it all away; we are to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us. Impossible, except through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I have found that when I start trying to justify my actions, I am usually in the wrong.
Also, there is a heirarchy of authority in scripture and the sons took on a responsibility which was not theirs to assume - it belonged to Jacob.
Father, help me to be ever sensitive to the Holy Spirit in my life which has overcome my carnal self and given me a new nature so I am no longer under sins control.
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