The Hard Chapters of Life - Genesis 34
The Bible contains sobering passages. While Scripture never approves of sin, it records historical events that did involve sin. When we read such accounts, we would do well to be reminded of the severity of sin and resolve in our hearts to flee from it.
On Sunday, Pastor Michael preached on Genesis 34, a passage that records grievous sin from a variety of people. We see in this passage, though, that God’s plan is not derailed even in the hard chapters of life.
In the passage, Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, went out to see the women of the land. When Shechem, the prince’s son, saw her, he seized her and committed a heinous act of sexual violence against her. Shechem’s sin was punishable by death according to the Mosaic law, and yet his father, Hamor, proceeded to ask that Dinah be given to Shechem in marriage.
Jacob displayed cowardice, failing to stand up for his daughter. Dinah’s brothers, however, were enraged, and they plotted a way to enact revenge on Shechem and Hamor. They negotiated a deal that would allow for Dinah to be given to Shechem in marriage with one condition: all the males of the city must first be circumcised.
Hamor and Shechem agreed and acted accordingly. A few days later, when the males of the city were sore, two of Jacob’s sons came and attacked them. Simeon and Levi plundered the city and killed Hamor, Shechem, and every other male in the city.
While the events described in Genesis 34 are horrific, there is much we can learn from this sobering passage — regarding lust, leadership, and abuse.
Regarding lust, we see that sex disconnected from God’s design leads to destruction. Shechem’s evil actions were destructive and deserving of death. Lust wants to consume us, but Christ offers freedom and healing. He is better than lust.
On leadership, we see that passivity in the face of sin leads to more sin. Jacob neither stood up for his daughter nor intervened during his sons’ deceptive planning. His sinful passivity only worsened the situation. As Michael said, “spiritual compromise will stifle spiritual discernment.”
Regarding abuse, this passage makes clear that the Lord despised what happened to Dinah. God hears our cries, and He provides hope and healing to the abused. Only He can restore us in our brokenness. In Christ, there is beauty for ashes—both from the ashes of our sin and the sin against us.
Resource:
When Shame Keeps You Away — Stephen Witmer
Simeon and Levi Attack — Ligonier Ministries
Reflection Questions:
Despite the sins of man, God’s plan was not derailed. How does God’s sovereignty bring hope?
How does the gospel provide hope in the midst of our brokenness?
How can you respond faithfully to this passage?