Gen 33 · Gen 34

Devotion 1 of 2: Gen 33

At first, Jacob and Esau didn’t have a good relationship because Jacob deceived his father and usurped Esau’s firstborn blessing (Gen 27:18-29). Esau got very angry and hated Jacob and even wanted to kill him (Gen 27:41)! So Jacob had to leave his home and move far away to his uncle’s house (Gen 28:5). Later, however, when Jacob returned, he and Esau embraced, kissed and wept! They had a great relationship! Why? I believe it was because instead of taking, now Jacob was giving to Esau! He gave many goats, sheep, camels, cattle and donkeys (Gen 32:13-15). And he showed humility and respect by calling himself Esau’s servant and calling Esau “lord” (32:18), and by he, his family and servants bowing low to Esau (Gen 33:3, 6-7).

Devotion 2 of 2: Gen 34

I'm sorry, but I would like to add another question to Gen 34! You can answer either one! Gen 34 question: Do you think what Simeon and Levi did was right or wrong (v.25) and why do you think so?

Gen 34 answer 1: What Simeon and Levi did was wrong because it was done in anger and deceit (v.13, 25). So they were punished in Jacob’s prophecy with not having their own territory but being divided and scattered in Israel (Gen 49:5-7). As a result, Simeon wasn’t given his own land in Canaan, but had to live in Judah’s land (Joshua 19:9). But Levi turned his prophecy into a blessing when he obeyed God and executed the golden calf worshipers at Mt. Sinai (Ex 32:25-28). For this, God made Levi the priestly tribe and gave them 6 Cities of Refuge and 42 other cities scattered throughout the tribes for a total of 48 (Joshua 21:41).

Gen 34 answer 2: Although their motivation was understandable because they wanted to punish Shechem for violating their sister, Dinah (v.2), it was wrong because it was done in deception. They told Shechem they would allow him to marry Dinah if he and his tribe first be circumcised (v.13-17). Then they attacked and killed Shechem’s tribe when they were still in pain and couldn’t fight back (v.24-26).