Women of the Bible - Dinah

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The Bible is chock full of all kinds of true stories about people from all walks of life....and all sorts of life experiences.  This is one of the tragedies that was a bit disturbing to read about.

Dinah (one who judges) was the daughter of Jacob and Leah.  One day she went to visit some of the young women who lived in the area.  Shechem, a Hivite,  saw her....and raped her....but, then fell in love with her and tried to win her affection with tender words. (he certainly didn't have his priorities in order.) He asked his father, Hamor, to "get me this young girl.  I want to marry her."  Jacob knew about the rape, but did nothing about it....but his sons stepped in and would only allow the marriage if the Hivites would be circumcised.  They told Shechem and Hamor if they would agree, then they would allow intermarriage between the Israelites and the Hivites....that they would "become one people."  Thinking they had made friends with the Israelites, they presented the proposal to the leaders of the Hivites.....and all the men agreed so every male in the town was circumcised.  Simeon and Levi (Leah's brothers) entered the town "three days later, when their wounds were still sore" and killed every male there.  When the rest of Jacob's sons arrived, they took all the animals, looted all the wealth and plundered their homes, taking the little children and wives, leading them away as captives.  Jacob was angry with his sons, but they defended themselves by arguing that what they did was necessary for what was done to their sister.

Conclusions:

(I have several)

1.  Be aware of your surroundings at all times!

Dinah should have never gone out by herself because she knew the reputation of the Hivites!

2.  Don't take matters into your own hand without consulting an authority figure (God).  Jacob should have handled this situation himself, instead of allowing his sons to take over, then getting angry at their actions.

3.  It's very unwise to think we have to give our children everything they ask for!!!

4.  Look before you leap!!!

Often we do things (just like the Hivites did by agreeing to circumcision...OUCH)....for selfish reasons and wind up in a heap-o-trouble!!
(been there....done that!!!)

5.  NEVER try to get revenge on another person thru actions, or words!!!

Also....you know how after surgery, it's said that the third day is the worse for pain?  Did you notice that Simeon and Levi entered the town "three days later"....when they were still very sore!!!

This was a very interesting "woman of the Bible"....although, I felt so sorry for this young lady and all the tragedy she had to endure.

HOPE you have a great Tuesday, Sweet Reader!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!