“Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land.” Genesis 34:1
This Chapter is called “The Treachery of Jacob’s Sons”, and for good reason. It starts out simple enough, as Today’s Verse tells us. But in Verse 2, we’re shocked to learn what happened next to this innocent girl; she’s raped! Things go downhill from there, with Jacob’s sons finding out, and crafting their revenge. Next we learn, the rapist turns out to be a Royal Son, and now after raping her, wants to marry her. As Hamor, Shechem’s father negotiates with Jacob and offering any dowry they require, he is told by Jacob’s sons, “We cannot do this thing, that is, give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised”! But, they said this in deceit, hoping they would take the bait! You’ll see this as you read the rest if the chapter and the entire city is murdered.
A couple of lessons stand out: First, as Christians, we must learn that we live in a Very Fallen World! As parents, we must prepare our Children for what may await them. The furthest thing in Dinah’s mind that morning is what came upon her. We ourselves, must be aware of the potential of evil that exists around us as we face those in our own cities and towns. Second, look at the Sin that lurks within the best of men. No doubt her Brothers did not see themselves as Mass Murderers that morning. And yet, they allowed their Righteous Anger to take control and perpetrate this Heinous Act!
We’re told by Paul “whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction”. Let us become the Wiser as we read these Words today!!!