Atrocities in Shechem
Introduction
Statistics:
1.6 million cases of domestic abuse
20% of women have suffered sexual violence
Today’s passage is shocking
The violation of a daughter
This passage brings us to reality and to stand for justice
Why was this passage included?
Believing families are not exempt from great atrocities
Sin and evil is in the world
We need to take heed to the warnings in God’s word
We must understand the society in which we live
How do we respond to terrible acts?
To long for grace and for heaven
The Wrong Move
The story starts in 33:17-18 with Jacob making a wrong move
He does not return to Seir with Esau because he must return to Canaan
However, he stopped at Succoth and built himself a house (33:17)
Why does he stop at Succoth?
After a time of great blessing, we can become stagnant
He came to Shechem (33:18)
He buys a parcel of land from the prince of the land and he erects an altar (33:20)
But, it is surprising that he has not progressed beyond Shechem
He has not considered the people
He has made a hasty decision
Prov 19:12
Some commentators say he should have gone straight to Bethel (35:1)
He was only partially obeying the command to go into the land
Jacob had not been commanded to return to Bethel (31:13)
He made a wrong move because he had not surveyed the land
Application:
Do we think carefully about our decisions?
Are we hasty in our decisions?
Do we think about spiritual matters?
Dinah goes out alone without a chaperone (34:1)
Shechem violated Dinah
He thought he was untouchable
Examples
Are we wise as parents?
There was no protection for Dinah – a wrong move
The Wrong Response
Jacob
Jacob held his peace until the sons came (34:5)
Do you see this as passivity?
Do you see a man of fear?
Do you see he has disregard for Dinah?
Do you see he is acting wisely?
Application:
How do we respond when there is terrible injustice and wickedness?
Do we respond with righteous anger?
Do we not get involved?
"Be angry but do not sin" (Ps 4:4)
Hamor and Shechem
He is strongly attracted to her, loves her and speaks kindly to her
He is desperate to marry her
Where is the confession, remorse and recognition of the evil he has done?
What about Dinah’s decision?
There are many forms of abuse of women
Since the fall men have desired to dominate women – it was not meant to be this way
Examples
Extreme examples of missogony in Iran
Saudia Arabia, Afghanistan, etc
Do we stand up for women?
Hamor thinks the situation can be overcome
He suggests peaceful co-existence, trade and inter-marrying
Shechem says he will give whatever is asked
However, there is no recognition of sin
There is no repentance
Jacob’s Sons
They were very angry (34:7) – rightly
But they wanted to take justice into their hands
They are deceitful
They mis-used a holy ordinance
They did not just kill Shechem and Hamor, but all the males
They plunder the city
They take the women and childrren
Their response was pure revenge
Evil does not overcome evil
Good overcomes evil – Romans
Vengeance belongs to God
The actions of the brothers showed they were wicked men and not true children of God
Example of Russian soldiers
We are called to be different as Christians
The Only Redemption
God says to go to Bethel (35:1)
There is redemption, forgiveness and grace
The family were not destroyed
Jacob is told to go back to the place where he once met with God
He is going back to the place where there is mediation between heaven and earth
Out mediator is Jesus Christ
We can only come to God through the Lord Jesus Christ
There is forgiveness with God through Jesus Christ
There is grace for sinners
Ezk 34:12,16 – A Good Shepherd
Come to the Good Shepherd
Ps 72:12-14 – A Good of Judgement
A good of mercy, grace and justice
Closing Remarks