Genesis 34:26

The whole of Genesis 34 shows the unhappy results that sprang from the lowering of Jacob's separation from the world. Its effects for evil were not seen in Jacob himself but in his family. The tide of evil runs in two broad channels: violence and corruption. The world is just the same today. How often we have to hang our heads in shame and admit the truth. A little living on the border of the world on our part, as Christian parents, has led to sorrow and even disaster in our families.

Not the smallest thought or wish had they for inviting the Shechemites into the covenant. It was the basest treachery, meant to trap them and slaughter them. Jacob had nothing to do with the cruel secret. Their pride and revenge ignored God as they ignored their father. Shechem was guilty of a great wrong; but Dinah too was at fault. The condition was a lying and cowardly pretext to carry out their resentment to the very end.

Only Simeon and Levi are mentioned here, brothers of Dinah, though Reuben and Judah were also her brothers. The two attack the unarmed city, killing every male while they were still sore from surgery. Of course this was totally unexpected and the men had no defence. No men were left to organise any counter-attack. Hamor and Shechem also, who had been considerate of Jacob's family, were killed.

This was not fair-mindedness, for Shechem had not actually dealt that way, and if he had, did that justify Simeon and Levi in killing all the men of that city and plundering their houses? Their dealings with the city were far worse than was Shechem's sin.

Simeon and Levi say, "Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?" — making her honour cover their covetousness. At least Jacob is honest, for he says, "You have brought trouble on me by making me stink … I shall be destroyed, both I and my household."

The shameful story of Genesis 34 caused Jacob "to stink among the inhabitants of the land." That was a dreadful position for him, since he was the only man in the land who truly knew God. It also brought judgment on the two who promoted the violence. In later days the tribe of Levi acted in a way that gained a special blessing. So we are allowed to see how God can turn what was at first a curse into a blessing. The word had been, "I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel." They were divided. But God did it by calling Levi to special service and scattering him throughout all the tribes.

It is true we see him here again with his sword by his side, but for what a different purpose, and in what a different cause! He is not now killing a man in anger and self-will. He acts in holy care for the honour of the Lord God of Israel, and in simple obedience to His command. He is no longer "joined" with his brother Simeon. In the days of his wickedness he might join him for deeds of blood. But here a new scene opens, and he is "joined" with the Lord and His servant Moses.