What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

ONE LAST NOTE: you don't have to join or set up an account to share comments. Just click 'comment' at the bottom of a post, click the drop down and click 'anonymous.' Then write your post and if you want sign it with your first name and finish by clicking 'Post comment.' I would love to hear your thoughts.

6.28.2010

GENESIS 34

For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+34&version=NIV.

This is a terrible and revealing chapter. A close reading of the text over that last few chapters suggests Jacob should never have gone down to Shechem in Canaan. Jacob's daughter through Leah, both of whom it seems he didn't care for overly much, is taken by force by a man named Shechem (in the town of Shechem) who seems to have some standing in the community.

This is an awful chapter in every way, but it is still Holy Scripture and has powerul meaning for us as God's Word.

Reflections, questions, etc.

Have a blessed day.

Prayers,
Matt
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6 comments:

  1. DocJune 28, 2010 at 1:08 PM

    I can relate to the brother's anger over their sister's rape . I can understand their use of deception to trap the Schechemites . Their dad was a great deceiver .

    I've often wondered if these early bible folks were closer to their full brothers and sisters than their half brothers and sisters . Here we have Jacob's boys ,undoubtedly led by the oldest
    four ( all Leah's boys ) coming to the defense of their full sister but later selling their half brother away.

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  2. MattJune 28, 2010 at 9:54 PM

    Helpful Doc, thanks. Yeah, Jacob seems to be pretty passive over the whole incident, doesn't he? The whole set of relationships seem completely disjointed! Hamor shares only half-truths as did Shechem. No apology at all. Hamor proposes full intermarriage and gives financial reasons for it. The way his offer is described suggests he is offering to Jacob what God already has, and then rushes the decision. Hamor is subtle but deceitful. This is politics as usual, only here it is among family and villagers.
    Though the brothers respond in a way our feelings resinate with, it is a horrible over-reaction. To slaughter an entire population of men after having manipulated them with religious reasons reminds us how vengeful we can all be.
    Jacob's fears at the end of the chapter remind us how self-centered he can be.
    This story reveals all our hearts by pointing out the extremes we can go to.

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  3. DocJune 29, 2010 at 4:56 PM

    Jacob concerned with " how's this gona look to the neighbors ? " . That's me , all day .

    Interesting , a couple chapters from now , Jacob sends his boys back to Schechem to graze the flocks . I wonder where are all the women and children they carried off .

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  4. MattJune 29, 2010 at 5:12 PM

    I suppose lots of us get worried to some degree about our image, reputation...ask any parent of a 7 year old or teenager:) Especially in the church?

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  5. DarlaJuly 5, 2010 at 12:18 PM

    I think Doc's point about full siblings having a stronger bond that half siblings in Bible times is very true. I think it is the same today. I also think of the sister in this passage. She was told that she needed to stay with the person who violated her. It is a wonder that she didn't express some anger of her own.

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  6. DarlaJuly 5, 2010 at 12:26 PM

    Also the point of what will the neighbors think? is a good one. I can't think of the number of times that I have asked people what they are going to wear to a given function so that I make sure I am acceptable.

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