Post by Woody Williams on Mar 29, 2010 7:02:10 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Genesis 34:5, 8, 14-15, 18-19, 24-25
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Now Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah; but his
sons were with his cattle in the field, so Jacob held his peace until
they came.
But Hamor spoke with them, saying, "The heart of my son Shechem longs
for your daughter; please give her to him in marriage."
They said to them, "We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to
one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. Only on
this condition will we consent to you: that you will become as we are
and every male among you be circumcised."
Their words pleased Hamor and Hamor's son Shechem. And the young man
did not delay to do the thing, because he was delighted with Jacob's
daughter. Now he was the most honored of all his family.
And all who went out of the city gate heeded Hamor and his son
Shechem; and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate
of his city.
On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of the sons of
Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and came
against the city unawares, and killed all the males.
Devotional
----------
In Lent we ponder the brokenness of humanity. In this story of Dinah
we observe a variety of sins and crimes. Dinah is raped. The sons of
Jacob murder a whole tribe in revenge. They use a cunning plot around
one of Israel's most sacred rites, circumcision. Humanity continues
today to exhibit its brokenness and sinfulness. We do need continuing
redemption and transformation.
Prayer
------------
May your light illuminate our darkness, Lord. Amen
----------
Now Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah; but his
sons were with his cattle in the field, so Jacob held his peace until
they came.
But Hamor spoke with them, saying, "The heart of my son Shechem longs
for your daughter; please give her to him in marriage."
They said to them, "We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to
one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. Only on
this condition will we consent to you: that you will become as we are
and every male among you be circumcised."
Their words pleased Hamor and Hamor's son Shechem. And the young man
did not delay to do the thing, because he was delighted with Jacob's
daughter. Now he was the most honored of all his family.
And all who went out of the city gate heeded Hamor and his son
Shechem; and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate
of his city.
On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of the sons of
Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and came
against the city unawares, and killed all the males.
Devotional
----------
In Lent we ponder the brokenness of humanity. In this story of Dinah
we observe a variety of sins and crimes. Dinah is raped. The sons of
Jacob murder a whole tribe in revenge. They use a cunning plot around
one of Israel's most sacred rites, circumcision. Humanity continues
today to exhibit its brokenness and sinfulness. We do need continuing
redemption and transformation.
Prayer
------------
May your light illuminate our darkness, Lord. Amen