RPG Adults
A DAMSEL DEFILED
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Genesis 34:1-12
Psalm 14
Let us search and try our ways.
A DAMSEL DEFILED
Dinah was Jacob’s only daughter and darling of the family. Just about fifteen or sixteen years of age, she was awakening to the urges and impulses of young womanhood. Home was perhaps dull and restrictive, especially when her brothers were away in the field with the flocks. Wouldn’t it be exciting to have friends of her age to talk and play with? She longed to see how the girls of the neighbourhood dressed and lived. Presently, the opportunity came along. The thrill of meeting the prince of the land and the receiving of his attention led to her swift downfall. Shechem’s advances disarmed her and into sin’s seductive snare they both fell. He came, he saw, he conquered! He “…took her, and lay with her, and defiled her” (Gen 34:2). This small slip by one person was to lead to a tragic chain of events which marred forever the name of Israel.
In the ensuing dealings between Jacob and Hamor, we see Jacob’s weakness in leaving things in the hands of his sons while Hamor showed more strength of character in making a sincere and honest proposal on his son’s behalf. Jacob’s authority having been eroded, the sons boldly conceived of a foul plot of vengeance, quite unjustified when weighed against the Canaanites’ offer of free inter-marriage, access by Israel to the land, unrestricted trade and business transactions, and generous goodwill, on one condition: “…I pray you give her him to wife” (Gen 34:8), so pleaded Hamor with Israel.
Shechem’s proposition to Jacob and his sons was more than just and honourable. “Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give” (Gen 34:11). His love for Dinah was such that no dowry would be too much.
Despite the conciliatory talk and cordial relations, the fact remained in the mind of Dinah’s brothers: “Our sister has been defiled, our pride has been hurt.”
THOUGHT: Let every man bear rule in his own house, and have his children in subjection with all gravity.
PRAYER: May God help every father to be a godly father.