04/05/2023 - A REQUEST LACKING WISDOM

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But Hamor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife.  Genesis 34.8

Hamor was outnumbered: he was with the irresponsible sinful prince and Jacob had the company of his sons. Seeing that the anger of the heirs of the promise was great, Hamor addressed the grieving group, asking that Dinah be given to Shechem as his wife. What else could he do, since his son had caused them irreparable harm? In fact, this marriage could not take place, for it would be another complete and unfortunate disgraceful thing that would take place in Israel.

Those who rise up against God’s people should prepare themselves for the worst. After all, their bad attitudes touch the apple of the Almighty’s eye: For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. (Zechariah 2.8). Shechem didn’t understand that he had done great foolishness in the midst of the family who had inherited the blessing, which would set humanity free. The Lord would avenge them!

For Hamor, his son could marry Dinah, because the young man’s soul had fallen in love with her, but the outraged party did not feel that way. That thoughtless act would have consequences. Jacob said nothing in response to the Hivite’s request. What could be said, since they did not expect such a tragedy? When a problem is too complicated to be solved, one should offer prayers and supplications to God with great crying and tears (Hebrews 5.7).

On one side was Hamor, an afflicted father seeking a solution to the damage done by his son in the house of Jacob; on the other, the patriarch of the Hebrews not knowing how to proceed, aware that he and his family could not mix with the inhabitants of Shechem. Because of the despair in his soul, Hamor offered the solution that seemed plausible. But this would not be accepted, because of God’s plan for the holy people. Now what?

Christians must meditate on Scripture – our foundation of faith and practice. We cannot give our daughters to the sons of the lost, nor take their daughters for our own. However, this has happened. Ezra commanded those who saw nothing wrong with not obeying the Law to break up their marriages (read the book of Ezra, chapters 9 and 10). The servant of God who is going to start a family should observe Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, chapter 6, verse 14 through 18. Watch and pray!

One wrong does not justify another. It doesn’t matter if your soul is in love with someone without God’s love in their heart; this union will not work. Before saying yes to such a marriage, accept what the Lord says. Those who have married without observing the Word should remain married, but with wisdom – they will be able to lead their spouse to salvation in Christ. See New Testament guidance on this subject in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 7.

The Jacobs of today, who face similar problems, need to raise their children with the fear of God as the arbiter in their hearts. We need to follow the instructions of the Word in order to please the Lord in everything. He has given us His Spirit to act prudently. Our life should be a constant praise to the Father. Try it!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares