Gen. 33:20-34:31
“AND HE [Jacob] erected there an altar, and called it El-Elohe-Israel,” which means “God, the God of Israel.” This expressed, no doubt, that Jacob (or, Israel) was aware of his need of communion with God, which was in itself a good thing. Yet, the very name he gave it indicated he did not rise very high in understanding God at this time. Although he spoke of the “God of Israel” he did not rise beyond himself or speak of the “Almighty God” or of His promises concerning a people yet to come.
In chapter 34 the sad results of being near “the prince of the country” are recorded — resulting in deep grief and sad experiences. “And Dinah the daughter of Leah... went out to see the daughters of the land.” Perhaps this might have seemed innocent enough, but it represented the first step in waywardness. First, she “went out” from her own company; then next she wand “to see.” Here again is a solemn lesson for all. “The lust of the eyes” is one of the three evils of this world. Curiosity as to what may be in the world has led many a Christian into sorrow. Finally, it was “the daughters of the land” who attracted her. The enemy of our souls is never content to let God’s children look into the world without drawing them into association with those opposed to the Lord Jesus. Dinah’s attraction to the “daughters of the land” tells us just this. Then exploring “the land of the prince” led to her becoming sadly involved in it.
Dinah was personally responsible for her actions and is an object lesson to all young readers — young women and young men alike. Yet, we are reminded of the parents’ failure in this also. Jacob and Leah should have stopped her in this course, or at least have warned her, but it is not so recorded. How often in later years must they, with Dinah, have wished their tent had not been spread so near that wicked place into which she was enticed?
In the story that follows, Dinah was defiled by Shechem. When her brothers, Simeon and Levi, learned of it they killed all the men of the place, took the women and children captives, and robbed them of all their goods. Jacob, more fearful than ever when he learned of this slaughter, said to his sons: “Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.” v. 30. What a sad confession from one who himself was “a prince” and should have been a testimony and tower of strength to all around him!
Need more be said as to the sad consequences that likewise befall the Christian who meddles with the things of this world? Only prayerful dependance on God and walking in the truth of His Word will preserve the feet of His own.
Memory Verse: “FOR WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION.” Rom. 10:10.
ML-12/25/1966