Disobedience and fear: Massacre at Shechem

Jacob had returned to the land of Canaan, to the city of a prince called Shechem (the city was later called Shechem). He had bought land outside the city from Shechem's father Hamor. Shechem raped Leah's daughter Dina, but loved her,  and asked his father to get her as his wife. Jacob's sons were grieved when they heard what he'd done,  and when Hamor came, they acted deceptively saying they would agree only “if every male of you is circumcised.” It was agreed and carried out, and the third day,  when they were in pain,  Dina's brothers Simeon and Levi killed all the males with the sword, and took everything,  lock stock and barrel, including women and children, as plunder. Jacob's response was fear,  they had made him obnoxious among the greater population “and since I am few in number, they will gather against me and kill me and my household” (Genesis 33:18-34:30).

For Israel circumcision was a sign of the covenant, but it was fairly common among the ancients. That,  and that prospective joint wealth (verse 23) made the proposition not unreasonable.  Jacob's response said nothing about the horror of the massacre. It was the response of fear! Only on his deathbed would he express condemnation (49:5). The brother's rationalization,  was that they had treated Dina as a harlot.

Under the dispensation of the Old Testament God's people were to come out from among unbelievers and be separate (Isaiah 52:11). New Testament believers are to be salt and light in the midst of a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15). And though it was not yet a commandment, Jacob would certainly have known about Lot's experience (Genesis 13).  Jacob's fear was unfounded,  for terror of them was on all the cities (35:5).  So the Lord worked it out in spite of the fear and disobedience, but it was not without cost to his family, Dina had been raped, and his sons had learnt they could get away with murder.  And this incident would not have happened if Jacob had been obedient, for he had been told to return to his family (31:3).  

The other thing here, is that when we are disobedient and/or operate out of fear, we take ourselves out somewhat,  from under the umbrella of God's protection. Our choices have consequences, or as scripture tells us, we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Scripture also tells us that what is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). In fact  God calls sin,  sin precisely because sin always has negative consequences. In other words when God says “no” He does so for our provision and protection.  

The scary thing is that in many things we all fail (James 3:2). Nevertheless when we are sincerely seeking to walk in faith, there is still some level of protection. He knows our frame, He knows that we are but dust (Psalm 104:14), and He does not, as here,   completely remove His protection. Also and in His time,  He will somehow redeem it.  

Father, thank You  for Your amazing promise to bring good even out of evil, for those of us who love You and are called according to Your purposes (Romans 8:28). And thank You that You do this in spite of our disobedience, fear and other weaknesses. Thank You Lord that though it all,  You are making us fruitful and more like Jesus (verse 29). Thank You that when we see You we will be like You! That too is amazing Lord,  in Jesus Name Amen