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Text: Genesis 34
Jacob’s first four children were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. The seed who is Jesus Christ would come through Jacob, but which of the twelve sons would carry the seed? The reason this story is in the Bible is to disqualify Simeon and Levi from carrying the seed. The seed of promise would not only be physically related to Abraham, but more importantly would have spiritual characteristics desired by God the Father. Simeon and Levi would not carry any characteristics of the promised seed.
Jacob has come short of where he is supposed to be. He’s planted his family in the wrong place. Now, the family gets into trouble. Here’s what happens.
Dinah is defiled (vss 1-5)
- Jacob and Leah had a daughter named Dinah. She sleeps with a prince named Shechem. Some think this is a forced assault on Dinah, but doesn’t look that way.
- Shechem tries to do the right thing and marry Dinah. He convinces his dad, Hamor, to make arrangements with Jacob about the marriage.
Deceptive plan (vss 6-19)
- Dinah’s full brothers Simeon and Levi make arrangements with Shechem and Hamor saying that if Hamor will have his men circumcised then they can move forward. See verse 15. But this is all a lie.
- Shechem is said to be more honorable and does what the brothers require in order to marry Dinah. See verse 19.
Deal seems peaceable (vss 20-24)
- Hamor and Shechem return with news to his city that they’ll be able to trade and marry and work with Jacob’s very wealthy family if the males are circumcised.
- The people agree that this will be worth the few days of pain to secure a great future with Jacob and his wealthy family. So the men go through with the circumcision and hopes of a prosperous future.
Deadly instruments (vss 25-31)
- After the men have been circumcised and are recovering, Simeon and Levi lead a group in to kill Shechem and Hamor and all the men, then take everything they have.
- Jacob is terribly troubled now. See verse 30.
- Now look at Jacob’s prophecy of Simeon and Levi in Genesis 49:5-7.
- These men do not possess any spiritual qualities of the promised seed.
