A Just Response
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 34, Psalm 31 (NIV)
(Eric Chiam, PTM, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Genesis 34, Psalm 31 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Genesis 34 is a problematic, puzzling chapter in Israel’s family history. Why is this recorded for us? Where is the Jacob of Genesis 32-33, who appeared to have grown in humility by facing Esau and encountering God?
Years have passed since those chapters, and Jacob’s children are grown — but not in maturity. His children by Leah are the focus of this chapter. : Dinah was raped by Shechem (verse 2), and her brothers were rightly outraged.
However, their retaliation was wildly out of proportion to the offence. They lied to the Hivites (verse 13), exacted violent revenge (verses 25-26), plundered them and kidnap their women and children (verse 29). I cannot believe that even Levi, forefather to the priests, acted like this!
In contrast the Hivites acted more honourably than God’s chosen people. To be sure, Shechem’s rape of Dinah was inexcusable, but he did seek her hand in marriage afterward (verses 4, 8), and agreed to be circumcised, without delay (verse 24). As much as I hate to admit, the Israelites behaved far worse than the Hivities because of how they took justice into their own hands.
The psalmist in Psalm 31 shows us a completely different way to respond to wrongdoing inflicted on us. He turned to God for comfort, protection, and vindication, trusting God to “deliver me from the hands of my enemies” (verse 15). The psalmist chose to leave vengeance to God. We are instructed to do the same (verses 23-24).
APPLY:
In Jacob’s sons, I find a mirror for myself. In daily life, I get upset when people cut into my queue or act without consideration. My instinct is to seek to put right these perceived wrongs. The truth is that these are minor injustices compared to what happened to Dinah. And if smaller transgressions can cause me to anger, what would happen if I were in the shoes of Dinah or her brothers?
I cannot look to Genesis 34 as a model response for when I am wronged by others. God’s people do not always act rightly since “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory” (Romans 3:23). Jesus has explicitly called me to forgive offence (Matthew 5:38-39). I should not return an eye for an eye.
If Genesis 34 is a mirror for my soul, then Psalm 31 is a glimpse of a better alternative. The psalmist encourages me to turn to God in hope, instead of turning to my enemies in anger.
DO:
When offended, I shall remind myself that God is my rock and fortress. He sees everything and will make all things right in His time. I can surrender my situations to Him. The eventual justice of God frees me from taking matters into my own hands, and even return good for evil.
PRAY:
Father, I do not have it in my own nature to turn the other cheek, but You do. Change me to reflect Your character more, so that I can be an agent of Your peace in a world that prefers immediate justice. Help me let You be God. In Your Son Jesus’ name I ask this, Amen.
