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The Rape of Dinah

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, is central to a tragic account in Genesis 34, where she is violated by Shechem, a Hivite prince. As Jacob's only daughter, Dinah, likely around thirteen or fourteen years old, ventured out from the safety of her family's camp to see the daughters of the land, possibly drawn by a local festival's allure. This unwise decision placed her in a vulnerable position, and Shechem saw her, took her, lay with her, and violated her. The act is clearly depicted as rape, with various translations emphasizing that she was taken by force, humbled, and defiled. Following the assault, Shechem's soul was strongly attracted to Dinah, and he sought to marry her, asking his father Hamor to arrange it. Jacob, upon hearing of the defilement, remained silent until his sons returned from the field, showing a subdued reaction. Hamor and Shechem approached Jacob and his sons, acknowledging a wrong had been done, and proposed marriage and intermingling with their people. Shechem offered restitution, seeking favor with Dinah's family. The response from Dinah's brothers was marked by grief and anger, viewing the act as a disgraceful thing against their family. Deceitfully, they agreed to the marriage on the condition that the men of Shechem be circumcised. Simeon and Levi, Dinah's full brothers, took violent revenge, killing all the males of the city while they recovered from circumcision, and the brothers plundered the town. Jacob later expressed concern over the repercussions of their actions, focusing on his own safety and reputation rather than Dinah's well-being. In this account, blame is distributed among several parties. Shechem bears responsibility for the rape, though he expressed a desire to make amends. Hamor sought to benefit his own interests through the situation. Jacob failed to protect Dinah by settling near Shechem and not taking a stronger leadership role, while also allowing pagan influences in his household. Simeon and Levi's vengeful actions further compounded the tragedy. Dinah herself carries some blame for leaving the safety of the camp, though she does not deserve the full weight of responsibility. This complex event reveals layers of fault and lessons about vulnerability, responsibility, and the consequences of actions within a family and community.

Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jacob's son Joseph receives the least criticism and the most praise, a sterling record of character and human accomplishment surpassed only by Jesus Christ.

Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Even though Joseph was born into a highly dysfunctional family, he nevertheless had a high batting average when it came to making the right moral choices.