The record of the rape of Dinah by Shechem the Hivite (Genesis 34:1-31 ) and the vengeful murders by Simeon and Levi showed departure from the godliness of Abraham and Isaac, and the putting of Israel at risk. What Shechem did to Dinah, probably 15 years old, was disgraceful (Genesis 34:7 ). How the matter was dealt with was too.

The incident teaches us:

	First, how dangerous it is to compromise with the world (Genesis 34:1 ).
	Second, the lust of the sinful heart defiles others (Genesis 34:2; 1 John 2:16 ).
	Third, the impossibility of trying to enter God's covenant by religious symbols alone (Genesis 34:15 ).
	Fourth, that treachery and cruelty put the covenant people in danger (Genesis 34:30 ).

Genesis 35 completes the history of Jacob's return home to Isaac. A new revelation is given to him at Bethel (Genesis 35:1-15 ), where Rebekah's nurse dies (Genesis 35:8 ). Then follows the birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel (Genesis 35:16-20 ) which has a deep effect on Israel. Reuben's adultery with Bilhah (Genesis 35:21-22 ). What consequences of polygamy. It troubled and affected Jacob (Genesis 49:4 ). This is followed by a list of his sons (Genesis 35:27-29 ). Through all, Israel learned the goodness and faithfulness of God. The chapter concludes with the recording of Isaac's death.

Genesis 36 lists the descendants of Esau as father of the Edomites (Genesis 36:9-41 ). This list of names is in contrast to the full narratives about the sons of Israel. Edomites were in constant conflict with Israel (E.g. Numbers 20:14-20; 1 Samuel 14:47; 1 Kings 11:14-25; 2 Chronicles 20:22; 2 Chronicles 21:8 ). In the prophecy of Obadiah Edom stands judged, and her doom is certain, because of her pride in rejoicing over misfortunes that befell Jerusalem.

That is, Jacob maintained the pilgrim life, in the land of promise, in contrast to Esau who left it and settled down in Seir. We are not to succumb to love of the world, but faithfully pursue our spiritual calling. The troubles and sorrows in the land, and that led ultimately to Egypt in God's provision through Joseph, were to result in Jacob being overcome and Israel being an overcomer. In the closing hours of his life he is a worshipper and prophet (Genesis 47:28 - 49:32 ). His personal prophecies over his sons need to be studied carefully. It showed he noticed that though he knew his boys, God gave him words of knowledge, that is, things only God knew, about them. And words of wisdom showing their future in the purposes of God. Chapter 37:1 - 50:26 proper are the history of Jacob, which contains the account of Joseph, with the account of Judah's sons interrupting (Genesis 38:1-30 ). This is included because Judah and his son Phares were direct ancestors of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What did the dreaded meeting with Esau turn out to be?
   • Do you believe that the heart of the one you have to confront is in the influence of God?
   • What personal evidence do you have that God can change hearts?
2. Do you think the reconciliation of Esau and Jacob stopped the warring, but did not restore trust?
   • What action of Jacob showed he did not intend to follow Esau to Seir?
3. In building an altar in newly purchased land, what was Jacob saying?
   • Do you think that Jacob at that time, was proclaiming the name but not living in the power of the name?
   • What name do you bear as a believer?
   • What place does the name bear in your daily living?
4. Do you think it was Dinah's love of sight-seeing that put her in harm's way?
   • Do our young people need to be taught to practice discretion?
   • What basic advice would you give to godly young people who live in days of promiscuity and vice?
5. Do you regard Shechem's rape with contempt?
   • Did his professed falling in love with Dinah mitigate the wrong he had done?
   • Do you think the proposition of Shechem's father was the right thing to do?
6. Could a covenant sign administered to people who do not accept the covenant, be beneficial?
7. When those who profess to be God's people act with cruelty and treachery, can it ever be justified?
   • Are the covenant people exposed to danger by their actions?
   • Who were the sons of Jacob who did the slayings?
   • Do you agree with Jacob's indignation and loathing?
   • Was Jacob wallowing in pessimism when he envisioned destruction of his house and himself?
8. What practical lessons do you gather from this incident of the Dinah tragedy and its consequences?
9. Do you recognise that God uses negative situations to spur to positive progress?
   • Is this God's purpose in directing Jacob from the place of shame, to Bethel?
10. What request of Jacob's shows the state of spiritual crisis in the family? What was done with the idols?
11. What means did God use to protect the family from reprisals?
12. What is the relevance of the mention of the death of Deborah who was known as Rebekah's nurse?
    • Do you think she was no ordinary childrens' nurse?
    • Did her death affect not only Isaac's household but Jacob's also?
    • Do you know those who have made your eyes wet in remembering their loving service?
    • And would your departure make others have wet eyes for the same reason?
13. What new revelation did God give to Jacob when he came from Padan Aram?
    • Have you heard fresh things from God for you and your family, or for the fellowship you meet with?
14. What were the expressed feelings of Rachel on the fulfilment of her prophecy that the Lord would give her another son?
    • Do you believe that this first recorded woman to die in childbirth had proved herself in the upbringing of Joseph to have become godly?
    • Are you investing by sowing godly principles in your children?
    • Why did Jacob change the name Rachel gave to Benjamin?
    • Are you careful not to lay unwanted burdens by name calling, on your children?
15. How did Israel express his deep love and grief over Rachel?
    • In which way was Rachel's cry prophetic and how was it fulfilled?
16. What bad news did Israel receive about Reuben? Can the consequences of polygamy be wholly to blame?
17. What brought Esau and Jacob together again? Mamre was very near the city of Hebron. Did Isaac move there because of its nearness to the cave purchased by Abraham as a burial place?
18. From this account of Esau what do you learn about the prosperity of Esau?
19. What is the significance of Esau being the father of the Edomites?
20. Does the origin of the Edomites explain partly the continued hostility to the Israelites throughout Old Testament times?
21. Do you see a spiritual lesson for your own life in Jacob maintaining the pilgrim life?