They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword and took Dinah out of Shechem's house and went away. The sons of Jacob came upon the slain and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister. They took their flocks and their herds, their donkeys, and whatever was in the city and in the field. All their wealth, all their little ones and their wives, all that was in the houses, they captured and plundered. Genesis 34:27-29 ESV
Shechem raped Dinah, then tried to approach his family to ask her in marriage. He had it backwards. If as prince of the land he is used to taking anything by force. it must not be for people. Humans are not possessions that you can use, abuse, and dispose afterwards. Actions have consequences. And when consequences happen, they might not be as fair as we expect them to be. Here we might think that the just punishment was to have Shechem pay for his sins and die for it. But as we read in the passages, Shechem, his father, all the circumcised male in the land were put to death. They plundered the city, took their flocks and herds, donkeys, and whatever was in the city. That was the consequence of his action. The rape of Dinah caused them the kingdom. Some people, because of how enticing sin is don't know what it can bring in their lives. They have no idea that it can ruin them. We just thank God we live in a season of grace and mercy. Still, sin has consequences. In his goodness we understand that mercy triumphs over judgment. Let us continue to honor God and live our lives and ask Him for strength against temptations. 12 January
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