Speaking the Truth in Love
Genesis Chapters 32 - 34
CHAPTER 32
Verses 1-8 – Fear in Jacob. Why? He knows he wronged Esau
Verses 9-21 – Gives presents to Esau
Verses 22-32 – A test: it seems the Angel was not at full power.
CHAPTER 33
Verses 1-7 – Jacob’s family meets Esau
Verses 8-16 – Pleasant interactions and departures: Esau heads south to Seir and Jacob heads to Succoth and then Shechem (see map)
Verses 17-20 – Jacob provides for family and livestock. Then goes to the City of Shechem and erects altar to “God, the God of Israel”.
CHAPTER 34
Verses 1-7 – A Canaanite (Shechem son of Hamar) violates Dinah. Jacob does not respond. This is in the community he just became a member of.
Verses 8-17 – Hamar asks for Dinah and for intermarrying. Shechem offers dowry for Dinah. Sons of Jacob agree deceitfully if all are circumcised.
Verses 18-24 – Hamar and Shechem convince all to be circumcised. Note verse 18 about Shechem.
Verses 25-31 – Simeon and Levi lead a terrible slaughter. Took all possessions and kidnapped women and children. Jacob angry because he fears being killed. Brothers justify this because of how Dinah was violated. Two wrongs do not make a right!
Closing
Jacob remembers this in Genesis 49:5-7. Lesson for us: God knows all that we do. Are you ready to face Him in judgment? We will all have to account for our lives (2 Corinthians 5:10). If you have not obeyed Jesus by believing, confessing that He is the Son of God, repenting of your sins, and being baptized to wash them away; you are not ready! Please consider this seriously. We want to help you in any way.
We invite all to our Bible studies, worship services, and our upcoming Gospel meeting. We also are available for personal Bible studies, internet e-mail studies, and if we can provide you a Bible or other spiritual assistance.
We hope to see you next time on Monday, July 15, on “Speaking The Truth In Love”!
