This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.

In this video listen to Genesis 34 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.

In Genesis 34 we see the behaviour of some of Jacob’s sons. Firstly in deception, then in murder and brutality. They also acted without thought of the future consequences of their behaviour.

Jacob’s daughter Dinah is taken inappropriately, and the young man Schechem wants to marry her. He is willing to pay a high price, but the brothers deceitfully only ask for the entire city to be circumcised, which happens. Two of the brothers then attack and kill all the adult males while they are in pain healing, and unable to defend themselves.

This causes Jacob to hate their action, and we see he has wizened in life, although he is now 100 years old. The young men here likely will be late teens to early twenties of age, and no doubt thinking came slower than reacting.

So who is right and who is wrong in the story. It seems everyone has done something wrong. It's an indication of life because none of us are guiltless, and all of us need the mercy of God.

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