READ: Gen. 33:18–20; 34:1–12: Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan… And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons … were grieved and very angry, because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel…
Jacob arrives in Canaan with his family and livestock but does not immediately go to Bethel, the place where God met him before he went to Paddan Aram. There he had a dream of angels ascending and descending between heaven and earth, and he was directly encouraged by the LORD, who promised to protect him and bring him back to Canaan. Jacob vowed to give a tenth of all he received as a token of gratitude.
Now Jacob returns, even after the meeting with God at Peniel. But instead of traveling on to Bethel, Jacob settles in Shechem. He even buys a piece of land to live there for an extended period. He does build an altar in remembrance of the LORD, but the area where he resides is ungodly. Does this reveal the old Jacob again? He remains there for a long period, perhaps even ten years.
Additionally, idolatry persists within his family—such as Rachel’s teraphim and necklaces used as charms—which becomes evident later when they are ordered to surrender these (Gen. 35:4). The world has once again exerted great influence on the church of that time!
It is from this worldly position that the events in Shechem occur. Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, about 15 years old, ventures out to make friends among the local pagan population. She is noticed by a young man who seizes and rapes her. He then wishes to marry her.
Jacob and his sons feel deeply hurt. Hamor, the father of Shechem, seeks a solution to establish peace, offering a large dowry if Jacob’s family will allow the marriage. This is going from bad to worse.
How can we prevent such events in our own lives?
Sing: Ps. 50:10,11