“And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob’s daughter: which thing ought not to be done.”
These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. Genesis 34:21 (KJV)
This verse is a part of the narrative in Genesis that recounts the events following the violation of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, by Shechem, a Canaanite prince. Let’s explore the context and the key lessons we can draw from this verse:
Context:The incident involving Dinah and Shechem had led to a complicated situation, with repercussions both within and outside Jacob’s family. Shechem expressed his desire to marry Dinah, and his father, Hamor, sought to arrange a marriage alliance with Jacob’s clan. However, Jacob’s sons were angered by the violation of their sister and were distrustful of the Canaanites.
Recognition of wrong:In this verse, we see the reaction of Jacob’s sons upon hearing about the situation. They were grieved and very angry because Shechem had committed a grave offense by defiling their sister. The phrase “wrought folly in Israel” highlights the severity of the action and how it was seen as a dishonorable act within their community.
Moral and ethical standards:This verse emphasizes the importance of moral and ethical standards within the community of believers. The phrase “which thing ought not to be done” indicates that what Shechem did was morally unacceptable. It reminds us of the importance of upholding God’s standards in our actions and relationships.
Protection of family:Jacob’s sons were zealous in their protection of their family and their sister’s honor. While their anger should be understood in context, their response to the situation will have further consequences and raises important questions about justice, mercy, and the use of violence.
Consequences of actions:This verse serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, both for ourselves and for those around us. Shechem’s violation of Dinah had far-reaching effects on his own life, his family, and Jacob’s family. It highlights the need for wisdom and discernment in our choices, recognizing that our actions can have significant impact beyond ourselves.
As we study this verse and the broader account in Genesis 34, we can reflect on the importance of maintaining moral and ethical standards, protecting our families, and considering the consequences of our actions. It prompts us to seek God’s guidance in navigating complex situations and to approach matters of justice and mercy with wisdom and discernment.
