Genesis 34:28 They seized their flocks and herds and donkeys and everything else of theirs in the city and out in the fields.
This entire situation is horrible. Dinah was raped, which was beyond terrible. But her brothers’ response–murder, destruction, plunder–definitely did not help anyone move towards light and healing. And Jacob’s response to his sons’ actions? I’m paraphrasing here: You have brought trouble on *me*. What if they retaliate? This family isn’t big enough to fight them off.
Genesis 34:29 They carried off all their wealth and all their women and children, taking as plunder everything in the houses.
All of this makes me wonder about Ch 32 when Jacob wrestled with God and won, receiving the name Israel to show he was a new person. These actions, this response, are definitely from the old Jacob, not the new Israel. There appears to be no change, no growth.
Genesis 34:30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”
Precious Savior, Is it wrong to take comfort in the fact that You have called and powerfully used people who still messed up and made mistakes, even after You acted in their lives? I take comfort because I know how often I mess up, even when I try to do what’s right. It brings me comfort because I know You won’t cast me aside just because I am still so fallibly human. Thank You for Your fierce love. Thank You that You can use me even when I stumble. Amen.
Genesis 34:31 But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”
Have a blessed day.