Genesis 34:25-31 – Revenge!
The time has come for Dinah’s brothers to carry out their revenge. They have waited until they can be sure of victory, and then Simeon and Levi, two of Dinah’s brothers, carry out their terrible plan, killing all the men of Shechem, especially Hamor and Shechem his son with whom they pretended to be friendly.
If the Shechemites had chosen to be circumcised through belief in the true God and a desire to obey Him, there is no doubt but that God would have protected them in their obedience. But they were only being circumcised to enrich themselves and cannot depend on God’s protection. God will not protect or care for those who only pretend to love and serve Him. But He is always caring for those who put their trust in Him.
Simeon and Levi have acted in a very unrighteous way. It is true that Shechem has done a terribly sinful thing in the rape of their sister, but they ought to have asked God how to deal with the situation instead of taking matters into their own hands. Why should the entire town be put to death for what one man has done? But worst of all in Simeon and Levi’s response is the treachery and deceitfulness involved and the carelessness with which they treated the holy practice of circumcision.
The actions of Jacob’s children are a source of grief to him. Children’s sins should always make their parents sad. Jacob’s family have ruined their reputation of honest and peaceable people, and they have opened themselves up to attack. When we sin, we dishonour the name of Christ and bring the Church under attack.
Questions
- What do Simeon and Levi do?
- Why was this wrong?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.