Jacob’s Family (7)
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
Read Hebrews 4:14-16
For the final time, let us look at the developments in Genesis 34. We have especially concentrated on Jacob’s family, but let us now consider Jacob’s God. It was the Lord who played the most important role in this history. Dinah and her siblings belonged to God’s covenant of grace. However, as we saw, Jacob’s sons misused the sign of the covenant. In spite of this, circumcision remained a holy sign given to a holy people who were separated by God. Jacob and his family remained in God’s covenant. But the consequences of this family’s sins were felt to the end of Jacob’s life, as well as by the descendants of Simeon and Levi (Genesis 49:5-7).
Still, God fulfills His own will. As a direct result of all the blood shed in Shechem, Jacob must pull up his tent pegs. He again becomes a pilgrim. The plot of ground that he purchased must be left behind. In a painful way he had to learn that God’s children remain beggars who are dependent on God for everything. A second result is that Jacob’s family had to separate from the Canaanites. This was their calling; they would no longer have anything to do with them. The devil tried to bring God’s people to ruin, but the Lord kept them safe. Satan tried to have Jacob’s family intermingle with the Canaanites so the promise concerning the coming Messiah would be stranded at Shechem. But through it all, God reigned. This fact gives us perspective, also in difficult situations in family life. The way to God always remains open because the Lord Jesus has opened that way.
Thought: The Lord reigns!
Psalter 432:1,4 (based on Psalm 99) God Jehovah reigns, His are all domains, Tremble at His Word, Peoples who have heard, Of the power of Him Who ‘mid cherubim His great throne has taken, Let the earth be shaken. Then let all accord Honor to the Lord, At His footstool bow, Seek His favor now Worship and acclaim His exalted Name, All ye high and lowly; God alone is holy.