Genesis 34
Genesis 34
Genesis 34 is admittedly hard to read (and write) about. In this chapter, the brokenness caused by sin is seen in an extremely intense way.
We see this through:
1. The rape of Dinah.
Sexual sin in one of its worst forms is seen as Schechem violated Dinah against her will, bringing shame, humiliation, and brokenness to her. What God designed to be for his glory in the context of a consensual marriage sexual relationship, Schecem distorts in a grotesque way. And in a very strange twist, Schechem has the audacity to ask this poor girl’s family to marry her after he sinned against her.
2. The deception of Schechem and Hamor.
When Jacob and his sons hear about what happened to their sister, they are righteously angry at such an injustice. Then, Shechem’s father Hamor goes with his son to Jacob and his sons to arrange Schecem’s marriage to Dinah. Instead of confronting the problem head-on, the sons design a ruse for payback. What we see here is sin compounded on more sin; brokenness compounded on more brokenness. Just to be clear, in NO WAY am I saying that the sin of Dinah should go unpunished. What happened to her breaks the heart of God and deserves justification.
The main problem lies in the fact that the brothers use circumcision, which is meant to be the sign of the eternal covenant of God and his people, to weaken an entire population of males so that they can then slaughter them.
3. The slaughtering of the men.
What went from needed punishment and justice for sin turned into vengeance in the hands of these men. The ESV Study Bible says, “While the rape of Dinah is inexcusable, the punishment meted out by Simeon and Levi far exceeds the crime.” The best question you can ask in this chapter is, “where is God?” God is not mentioned, not because he is not near or does not care about the sin committed against Dinah; he is not mentioned because these men that are committing these sins have no category, thought, or focus on God; they are simply doing what they want and desire at the moment for personal gain.
This is a tough chapter to read and write about. The only hope for all involved is a gracious and merciful God who redeems and heals those who are sinned against, and extends mercy to those who are undeserving because of their sin. Praise God that we have a Savior that is able to save to the uttermost even the vilest of sinners!
By: Graham Withers
Genesis 34 is admittedly hard to read (and write) about. In this chapter, the brokenness caused by sin is seen in an extremely intense way.
We see this through:
1. The rape of Dinah.
Sexual sin in one of its worst forms is seen as Schechem violated Dinah against her will, bringing shame, humiliation, and brokenness to her. What God designed to be for his glory in the context of a consensual marriage sexual relationship, Schecem distorts in a grotesque way. And in a very strange twist, Schechem has the audacity to ask this poor girl’s family to marry her after he sinned against her.
2. The deception of Schechem and Hamor.
When Jacob and his sons hear about what happened to their sister, they are righteously angry at such an injustice. Then, Shechem’s father Hamor goes with his son to Jacob and his sons to arrange Schecem’s marriage to Dinah. Instead of confronting the problem head-on, the sons design a ruse for payback. What we see here is sin compounded on more sin; brokenness compounded on more brokenness. Just to be clear, in NO WAY am I saying that the sin of Dinah should go unpunished. What happened to her breaks the heart of God and deserves justification.
The main problem lies in the fact that the brothers use circumcision, which is meant to be the sign of the eternal covenant of God and his people, to weaken an entire population of males so that they can then slaughter them.
3. The slaughtering of the men.
What went from needed punishment and justice for sin turned into vengeance in the hands of these men. The ESV Study Bible says, “While the rape of Dinah is inexcusable, the punishment meted out by Simeon and Levi far exceeds the crime.” The best question you can ask in this chapter is, “where is God?” God is not mentioned, not because he is not near or does not care about the sin committed against Dinah; he is not mentioned because these men that are committing these sins have no category, thought, or focus on God; they are simply doing what they want and desire at the moment for personal gain.
This is a tough chapter to read and write about. The only hope for all involved is a gracious and merciful God who redeems and heals those who are sinned against, and extends mercy to those who are undeserving because of their sin. Praise God that we have a Savior that is able to save to the uttermost even the vilest of sinners!
By: Graham Withers
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