Study Questions:

1. Where did Jacob go and what did he build there? Genesis 33:17

2. How did Jacob react to Dinah’s rape? Genesis 34:5

3. Was Jacob’s sons answer to him the real reason for the massacre? Genesis 34:31

Commentary and Reflection:

To protect his family, Jacob separated them from the rest of the group because he was uncertain about his brother’s intentions. He didn’t avoid the encounter, and though not in the fullness of his physical strength, he led the way, bowing repeatedly until he reached Esau. The only explanation for his brave attitude lies in the faith born from his encounter with God in Peniel.

The encounter exceeded all his expectations. The last time Jacob was with his brother, Esau had sworn vengeance and intended to kill him. Clearly, over the years, Esau had also prospered, but this doesn’t explain the affection he now showed Jacob. Only God could have wrought such a profound change in his heart. Both wept, undoubtedly with good reason. Jacob introduced all of his family as a testament to God’s blessings.

How helpful a reconciliation would be today among their descendants! From Jacob comes Israel, and some Arabs descend from Esau.

Chapter 34 recounts the rape of Dinah, Jacob and Leah’s daughter. She was likely a young girl of 15. The offender was Shechem, son of Hamor the Hivite.

“The Jewish historian Josephus mentions an old tradition to the effect that the Shechemites were engaged in festivities (Antiquities i. 21. 1), and that Dinah wanted to join the girls of Shechem in their round of pleasure. The language implies the paying of a friendly visit, possibly even that Dinah was in the habit of associating with the girls of Shechem.” SDABC Genesis 34:1

“The tarry of Jacob and his sons at Shechem ended in violence and bloodshed. The one daughter of the household had been brought to shame and sorrow, two brothers were involved in the guilt of murder, a whole city had been given to ruin and slaughter, in retaliation for the lawless deed of one rash youth. The beginning that led to results so terrible was the act of Jacob’s daughter, who “went out to see the daughters of the land,” thus venturing into association with the ungodly. He who seeks pleasure among those that fear not God is placing himself on Satan’s ground and inviting his temptations.” PP 204

Siquem’s heinous crime doesn’t justify the horrible act committed by Simeon and Levi. They acted with a perverted sense of honor, endangering the entire family.

“Jacob administered a stem rebuke for the impulsive deed, stressing the consequences of the crime for himself and his family. Emphasis on this aspect of the affair was calculated to impress his sons with the practical results of rash action. His last word concerning Simeon and Levi (eh. 49:5—7) are evidence of how deeply he abhorred their deed. His fear of reprisal was by no means groundless, and only the mercy of God averted the evil that might have come upon him and his house (eh.35:5, 6). As for Simeon and Levi, they, like Reuben, forfeited the birthright they might otherwise have enjoyed. Again, warped character stood between men and the possibilities that might otherwise have been theirs.” SDABC Genesis 34:30

May God protect our children and families from the deceptions and attacks of the enemy.

Wishing you a very blessed day.