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There are so many issues here and they are glaring. What is clearly evident in this story is that one disaster builds upon another when we refuse to obey God. Jacob’s refusal to go to Bethel sets the foundation and backdrop. This decision is further complicated when he responds casually to the news of his daughter being raped. Furthermore, Jacob’s flesh has been seen by his sons. They were there and heard Jacob lie to Esau. They have witnessed his deceitful, impulsive nature. In fairness, Jacob has also grown closer to God in many ways.
But the sobering reminder here for all of us is that people are watching our every move and taking notes. Especially those who are under our spiritual leadership. Jacob’s nature was learned by his sons and they took matters into their own hands. They used trickery to avenge their sister. In some ways, even though they are the ones to commit horrific murders, they seem less guilty in the entire ordeal as compared to Jacob. They were trying to make things right and do it in their own strength. Had Jacob handled or even directed them appropriately in this situation, they never would have felt the need to take matters into their own hands.
Ironically, in Genesis 49, Jacob rebukes his sons for their impulsive anger… a rebuke that came much too late.
“Like Lot, Jacob bid high for wealth and worldly advancement, risked the highest for the lowest, and was saved as by fire. Poor Dinah! Yet she was more sinned against than sinning. Jacob had put her in jeopardy by his selfish policy; and Leah was not blameless, for she had let her go unwarned and unaccompanied into the middle of that furnace of trial.”
F.B. Meyer