03/05/2023 - A DISGRACEFUL THING IN ISRAEL

• 
• 
• 
• 

And the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it; and the men were grieved and very angry, because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, a thing which ought not to be done.  Genesis 34.7

The day was coming to an end , and Jacob’s sons came in from the field. There was joy among them over all that God was giving them, for they were prospering in the new land. As they came near their father, they saw Shechem and Hamor talking to him. From Jacob’s appearance, they realized that something wrong had happened. When they learned that their sister Dinah had been abused by the prince of the land, they could not contain themselves, and Shechem saw that he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel.

When they heard the account from Shechem himself, Dinah’s brothers were saddened. The same thing happens to any family that goes through a similar experience. Why does such a monstrosity occur? Even among people who live in libertinism, there are those who are filled with sorrow and anger, if the same thing happens against their home. Some commit such a transgression, but do not accept that the same is done to their own. God is the Judge!

Hamor and Shechem sensed what the consequences of such wickedness would be, since Dinah’s brothers got very angry. I have been used to prevent people possessed by rage from becoming brave and wanting to do justice with their own hands because of violence suffered by someone they know. Nothing restitutes a loss of this magnitude, so in some cases the one who dared to do it pays with his own life. Only those who love the Lord control themselves!

Jacob’s sons knew God’s purpose for them, and Dinah should have been kept until marriage, when she would start a family with the man approved by the Lord. Unfortunately, the prince of Shechem did a disgraceful thing in Israel. Let it be clear: nobody plays with God! Man shall reap what he sows (Galatians 6:7). It is likely that Jacob sensed what was coming next, because in his family – they all looked after each others. Be alert!

Who was that impudent man, who thought he had the right to lie down with the daughter of Jacob, who had a covenant with the Almighty? Shechem saw indignation overwhelm Dinah’s brothers: it was as if they too had been abused. Jacob’s offspring was not born again, and so the situation got out of hand. Nothing better than to lead your neighbor to the new birth. Then he will act wisely, according to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Many things are contrary to the Lord’s teachings. One of them is to mess with anyone’s family. Whoever does not respect another’s home will taste the wrath of the betrayed husband on Judgment Day and will never forget his thoughtless and outrageous act. Read Proverbs 6:32-36! Stay alert and pray! Parents have an obligation to teach their children how to behave towards their neighbor, so that they are not exposed to iniquities. A person’s honor is all that he or she possesses (1 Thessalonians 4:4-6). Respect it!

I would not want to be at that meeting with Jacob’s family, being the author of something that stirred up anger in the hearts of Dinah’s brothers. What compensation would make up for that damage? Only God could have mercy on that father, for the son had never been taught not to go beyond the limits!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares