Presentation 51

Presentation 51

We have before us one of the most distressing narratives in the O.T. So distressing that many commentators skip this passage or pass it by with the minimum of comment. But to treat any part of scripture in this way questions its usefulness. Paul makes it clear that, ‘All scripture, [and that includes Gen. 34], is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work'. 2 Tim 3.16.

So that even a passage such as this must have important lessons to teach.

Introduction

Presentation 51

We need to remind ourselves that these events took place because of Jacob’s partial obedience. Instead of settling in Bethel, he had made his way to the more attractive town of Shechem and the city lights!. Did Jacob think;'This is the best place to bring up a family, they can put their nomad existence behind them and enjoy the benefits of town living - a better standard of living, a better education, a better social life, and a life free from the hardships they have experienced to date’?

The fact that the inhabitants of the city did not worship the true and living God does not seem to have been thought through.

Consequences of Half-hearted Commitment

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This challenges us to think of where we choose to settle down with our families. What criterion governs the choices we make? What do we want for our families above all else? The question that we should consider before many others is, 'What will best serve to advance their relationship with God?’ Its more important to settle near a good Christian fellowship than a good shopping centre.

What influences do we expose our children to: in the environment we choose to live in, the friendships we encourage them to foster and the opportunities for good and ill that we surround them with?

Consequences of Half-hearted Commitment

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Dinah wanted to see the city of Shechem, undoubtedly attracted by the bright lights of town living. She is thought to have been about 15 years of age. All she had at home was 11 brothers! She may have felt the need of female companionship. She went out to see the women of the land v1. Young people like to see and be seen and Dinah was no different.

Why was she allowed to go alone? Jacob knew the signals which young women out alone would send in that cultural setting. Did she protest that she could look after herself that she did not need a baby-sitter? Do we think that young people have the right or wisdom to decide in such matters?

Consequences of Half-hearted Commitment

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Parents are sometimes too busy or too afraid to act. Was Jacob one of those? Children sometimes tell us they are going to do abnormal things, things they know we will not agree with, simply to gain our attention! Many children think that their parents have little time for them! Was Jacob too pre-occupied to be involved in, or concerned about, what his daughter was doing?

Parents are sometimes afraid that their children will hate them if they establish discipline, and set down a code of conduct for their behaviour. Our children may see our efforts as restrictive and limiting but as they mature they are morelikely to be grateful.

Consequences of Half-hearted Commitment

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Some time ago some young women, whose lives were in a bit of a mess were interviewed on T.V. When asked about their early home life, in the majority of cases, they said that their parents had allowed them to behave as they liked.

Their chief complaint as they looked back on their formative years was that they did not think that their parents really loved Them. Why? Because they never put down boundaries that said, 'This is acceptable behaviour and beyond this we will not permit you to go.'

Consequences of Half-hearted Commitment

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Dinah was seduced and raped by a young prince called Shechem. This sore episode is not unique to the pages of human history. However, what jumps out of this passage is the way in which the world so easily comes to terms with its sin and fails to see its wickedness. For in this whole episode there is a complete failure on the part of Shechem, or his family, to admit that any wrong had been done!

When Hamor, Shechem's father, came to ask Jacob for permission for his son to marry Dinah, there is no hint of an apology or a confession of wrongdoing. His approach was not even an attempt to make some reparation for the wrong that had been done, in recognition of the fact thatonce a woman has been violated in this way finding her a husband was almost impossible.

The Seduction and Rape of Dinah

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Hamor did not say, 'my son's behaviour has dishonoured and wronged your daughter, he has been foolish but wants to make amends by marrying her'. No the reason Shechem wanted to marry Dinah was that that he had become infatuated with her, ‘his heart was drawn to Dinah’ v3.

This failure to see wrong and then admit guilt, not only marked the worldly society of Jacob's day but has also been a characteristic of society through the ages. Al Capone the famous American gangster complained, when he was arrested and put on trial;

“I have spent the best years of my life giving people the lighter pleasures, and I get all this abuse and the existence of a hunted man. "

The Seduction and Rape of Dinah

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It is not only gangsters, who fail to recognise the wrongs they have done. The so called ‘good people’, like Shechem’s father, are no different. Respectable society is often quick to identify the wrongs of the ‘gangsters’ of this world but slower to recognise the wrongs of the respectable. Indeed, respectable society has developed a whole vocabulary aimed at disguising evil. Bishop Ryle commenting on the euphemisms used to describe sin writes;

‘What do such expressions as fast, wild... unsteady, thoughtless, loose mean? They show that men try to cheat themselves into the belief that sin is not quite so sinful as God says it is and that they are not so bad as they really are’

The Seduction and Rape of Dinah

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The world, whether respectable or not, has no monopoly on sin. Jacob's sons, who claimed to be believers, are guilty of a greater evil. Despite their insensitivity, Shechem and Hamor, came openly, honestly and in friendship with a marriage proposal. A substantial dowry was offered! In contrast, Jacob's sons hatched a vengeful, deceitful scheme , intent on making not only Shechem and Hamor pay but all of the inhabitants of the city.

They even used their religion to achieve their objective cf v14-17. They asked that all of the males in the city be circumcised since this was a religious rite observed in their family.

Now circumcision was a sacred religious symbol but it was used by the brothers as a means of advancing their plan of destruction.

Is there a Monopoly on Wickedness?

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In the history of the church, great wrongs have been committed in the name of religion. The crusades were fought behind the symbol of the cross. These were not holy wars! Men were called to fight under the banner of the cross by European leaders driven by a desire for recognition and fame. Others were motivated by greed and some merely looked for an excuse to engage in violence.

Little wonder the cross became a despicable thing to the Muslim world, where it is still hated by many today. Indeed, the Red Cross relief organisation does not operate in Muslim world because of associations made by its symbol. Instead, relief trucks and ambulances bear the name and symbol of the Red Crescent.

Is there a Monopoly on Wickedness?

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Where did Jacob's sons learn their deception? They were their father's sons! Jacob’s influence had rubbed off over the years. Children of believers find it easier to mimic their parents’ sins that their godliness. The men of Shechem fell for the deception and agreed to circumcision not because of its religious significance but as a means to an end. Their prince would get his bride, while they would have access to the material wealth of a prominent immigrant family! Not a great deal has changed over the years.

Today, a minority who embrace the Christian faith are baptised for some ulterior motive. Perhaps because they want to marry a Christian or it may be because of the prospect of material gain!

Is there a Monopoly on Wickedness?

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Three days after the mass circumcision operation, when the male inhabitants were still physically weak, perhaps even recovering in bed, Simeon and Levi entered the unsuspecting city and butchered them. Then the remaining brothers entered the city and plundered it taking the women and children captive v25-29. Shechem’s sin was despicable but the vengeful response of Jacob’s sons was far worse. Two wrongs do not make a right! The proverb says, 'when we get even with someone we dig two graves'.

That is what Jacob's sons did. They dug two graves, one for the people of Shechem and another for themselves. Their family was now in a position ofextreme danger!

Is there a Monopoly on Wickedness?

Presentation 51

Jacob’s response is both muted and inadequate. Did he see something of his own former character reflected in their deceitful behaviour? Not until Gen. 49:57 does he view this tragic day from a more godly perspective. Now Jacob's main concern was for the own safety v30. The anger he displays to his sons flows from fear. Jacob had been in danger before, from Laban then Esau, but these dangers were trivial in comparison with this.

Jacob foresaw an alliance of all the Canaanites and Perizzites whose aim would be the annihilation ofhis family. No longer would Jacob’s family be viewed as peaceful nomads but as a barbarous gang intent upon the destruction of all around them - a deceitful people who could not be trusted.

Is there a Monopoly on Wickedness?

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Jacob does he stop to ask, 'What damage has this done to the work of God? How has my family’s behaviour dishonoured God’s name?’ Jacob’s sole concern is, ‘What will the people of the land do to us?’ Jacob's sons’ rejection of his rebuke reveals a rebellious spirit that is scornful of his parental authority. Their reply is neither marked by shame nor repentance. Indeed, they justify their actions, while at the same time obliquely blaming their father. He had failed to respond to their sister’s defilement!

Therefore, as caring conscientious brothers they had taken matters into their own hands! Their philosophy was that ‘one sin can be made right by committing another’. But their remedy was no remedy at all!

Is there a Monopoly on Wickedness?

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God allowed Jacob to experience the consequences of what had been half-hearted obedience. He had returned to Canaan but not to Bethel. Despite God's blessing, Jacob had failed God and the consequences were closing in poised to crush him. If Jacob ever needed to cling to God, it was now! His family had failed him just as he had failed his family. The reckless barbarism of his sons had sent seismic shock waves throughout the region.

Then into that darkness shone the Word of a faithful God, who does not fail. God told Jacob to return to the path of obedience, ‘Go back to Bethel!’ ch.35v1. Believers who are languishing in the consequences of their disobedience need to know that God comes to the disobedient in their misery and fear and says, ‘Turn back for I am setting before you the grace of a new beginning walk in obedience before me.'

Is there a Monopoly on Wickedness?

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The alarming events of chap 34 began, when Jacob chose to settle in Shechem rather than Bethel. Perhaps Jacob was lulled into a false sense of security! Did he think, 'Because I am God's man and he has plans for me, I lead a charmed life. If I settle in a heathen environment God will continue to protect me just as he did, when Laban and Esau wanted to harm me.'

Satan often tempts God’s children by saying. 'Wholehearted obedience is not necessary. You are too important to God for him to allow you to fall into harm. Slacken your commitment to him. Be half-hearted in your allegiance. That will be enough!'

When that temptation comes, remember Jacob and the awful consequences that he and his family reaped.

Conclusion

Presentation 51