Before we get into the comments for Chapter 33, I do realize that I have also posted comments for Chapter 34 without previously assigning my BLBS participants to read this Chapter.  However, once I began reading and studying Chapter 33, the Holy Spirit seemed to urge me to continue reading and include this chapter with our study this week.  I would only ask that you read this chapter before you begin looking over my comments.  I think it will become clearer as to why I followed the “nudges” I encountered.

The factor that stands out to me in Chapter 33 is a change of heart regarding Esau towards the brother he previously wanted to kill after the deceitful way Jacob and his mother stole his firstborn blessing.  Of course this followed the ploy by Jacob to obtain the birthright of the firstborn from Esau over a bowl of stew.  Esau, although accompanied by 400 men to greet Jacob, was mistaken in his intentions as trickery (wonder why?) by Jacob.  Upon hearing about Esau’s entourage coming in his direction, Jacob sends gifts of livestock ahead of him and his family, trying to ease tensions and possible “pay-back” of his older brother by appealing to a potential change of heart.

Interesting, as Chapter 33 opens Jacob sees the hundreds of men escorting his brother and he panics.  But read what Jacob does; he divides his children among their mothers and puts the maidservants first, Leah next and then Rachel and Joseph last.  However, Jacob does something that even surprised me.  He went ahead of all of them and bowed down seven times in front of his brother (this is a 14^th century B.C. sign of total submission).  Esau’s reaction to this gesture?  He RAN to meet his brother, threw his arms around Jacob’s neck and kissed him.  Ever read about the prodigal son?  These are the actions of the father who welcomed home a son he never thought he’d see again.  Think that Esau has changed? However, his brother Jacob isn’t reassured.

Esau is surprised to learn that all those accompanying Jacob are his nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.  After reassuring Jacob that he doesn’t need all the “droves”, or gifts of livestock, Esau accepts them upon Jacob’s insistence, but asks if he can escort Jacob and his family back to their home.  Here’s where Jacob goes back into his human shell of doubt.  He makes an excuse that between his young children and nursing livestock, he needs to travel at a very slow pace and to go ahead of him.  Even though Esau suggests he will leave some of his men to travel with him, Jacob insists he will be following behind and not to bother, so Esau heads to Seir.

This is where the self doubt and distrustful nature we possess as humans in need of a spirit full of faith makes mistakes that cannot be undone.  Instead of believing that his brother, Esau, has truly changed and is making amends for previous threats and behavior, Jacob takes the travel plans of his family into his own hands.  Jacob heads to Succoth and then goes to the city of Shechem in Canaan and camped within site of the city.  But Jacob did a little more than camp within “site” of the city.  He purchased with 100 pieces of silver from the sons of Hamor, father of Shechem, a plot of ground where he pitched his tent.  Sound like he’s moving on to Seir to join his brother, Esau?  Although Jacob made an altar, El Elohe Israel, I think he will regret settling in this area out of doubt and fear of living close to his brother.  Shechem is located in Canaan, but this area is inhabited by the native Canaanites.  Two factors result from dealing with these native Canaanites; either hostility or absorption.  This will be troublesome to Jacob’s household as I continued reading in the next chapter.

It always seems when we follow our own instincts without consulting the Lord, we are given consequences to bear.  In Chapter 34, Dinah, Jacob’s only daughter by Leah, goes out one day to socialize with the women in this land of Shechem.  This seems like a very innocent action; however, Hamor the Hivvite, ruler of the land has a son, ironically by the name of Shechem (probably named after the city itself), saw Dinah and “took her and violated her”.  Then the following verse tells us he was drawn to her and spoke tenderly to her….too little, too late, if you ask me.  This young man like so many in society today had his actions backwards; defile the girl, disgrace her, then ask for her hand in marriage?  Shechem asks his father to “get” her for him.

When Jacob learns what has happened he keeps quiet until his sons come home from the fields.  While Hamor goes to Jacob to secure Dinah for his son, the brothers come in from the fields, are told what has happened to their sister and are furious.  They devise a plan for revenge.  Meanwhile, Hamor is trying to give all the positives of the families merging; the children can intermarry, flocks can be shared and whatever bride price Jacob sets will be met.  Bottom line, I need to get Dinah for my son, Shechem, because he wants her.  A simple deal, right?  However, the brothers come up with a condition (with deceit in their hearts).  If these men want to intermarry with their family (especially their sister, Dinah), all the men will need to be circumcised or Jacob’s family will be disgraced. 

All the men of the city are gathered and told that circumcision is the only way for the tribes to become as one and take their daughters in marriage.  They agree to the stipulation and Shechem forms the line for circumcision.  Three days after the entire city of men have been circumcised and are recovering, two of Dinah’s brothers, Simeon and Levi, go into the city and kill all the males including the ruler of the city, Hamor, and his son, Shechem.  They “rescue” their sister, Dinah, and take her home.  It appears the other brothers come into the city and find all the bodies of the men and begin looting the town.  They take the women, children, livestock, wealth and plunder all the houses.

When Jacob learns what his sons have done, what does he do?  He reprimands them.  He tells them that they have brought trouble on him, by making him, a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, people living in the land.  He continues reminding them that if the surrounding tribes retaliate against him that he, and his household will be destroyed.

His sons’ reply is simple.  “Should he (Shechem) have treated our sister like a prostitute?”

Good question.  I’d like to have known Jacob’s answer.  His only daughter, Dinah, has been disgraced while his sons bear the blood of an entire city of men on their hands because Jacob couldn’t trust nor have faith that his brother’s intentions have changed.  Note:  The name of God closes out Chapter 33, El Elohe Israel and God begins speaking again at the beginning of Chapter 35.  During the events of Chapter 34, the name of the Lord is not mentioned.  A Holy God cannot be in the presence of evil.

Lord, we desperately need to rise above our finite understanding and put on the armor of God that supports a faith that is unbending and unchanging.  Help us to believe in the journey even though we can’t understand the direction and struggle with a firm foundation on which to plant our feet.  Urge us by the Holy Spirit to read and study your Holy Word so that you might encourage us to step out and believe in the unique route especially designed for us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Read Chapter 35.

As you read this chapter, please ask God to show you at least five different facts that touch your heart.  There are some tender moments within this chapter.  See what God, through the Holy Spirit, will point out to you.  If you’d like to share, I’d enjoy reading your comments.  God bless, friends.