TOPIC : DISHONEST AGREEMENT

Opening Prayer: Sanctify my life dear Lord as I study your word in Jesus name.

Scripture: Genesis 34:1‐31

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?

Dinah appeared to be the only daughter of Jacob. While visiting other women of the land, she was raped by Shechem. Although Shechem had done a great evil, unlike some men who dump young girls after raping them, he was prepared to marry Dinah (vs.3‐4; cf. 2 Samuel 13:8‐19). Jacob had received forgiveness from his brother Esau. Now he faces the test of having to forgive someone else.

Do you think he was right to wait until his sons returned from the field (v.5)? After all, he as father, and not his sons, had the authority to act. How do you compare Jacob, as a father, to Hamor (vs.5,6 & 8)? There is a saying, “like father like son.” Jacob’s sons, like Jacob, deceived the men of Shechem (see Genesis 27:24). Theirs was vengeful and not holy war.

God says, “vengeance is mine” (Deuteronomy 32:35). What Shechem had done did not warrant such brutal retaliation. As a consequence of what Simeon and Levi did, they missed Jacob’s blessing (see Genesis 49:5‐7). The Canaanites were willing to be circumcised to satisfy their greed. Many people today have been drawn into false religion because of such an attitude to worldly gain. See Paul’s advice in 1 Timothy 6:6‐10.

Always seek God’s approval before entering any joint venture, even when the other party is also a Christian.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Pray against all forms of sexual violence against women and children.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Deuteronomy 7:8 ‐ 9; 2 Kings 12‐14; Psalms 62