Day 26, Chronological Bible Study
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Genesis 33:16–35:29; 1Chronicles 2:1-2 A Costly Mistake Some mistakes can be easily erased—others can’t. Perhaps, some of us are working on our taxes. We know one error could be very costly, so we consult a tax specialist. However, a moral fault can cost us our family—it might be forgiven but cannot be erased. Whether financial or moral, mistakes can affect our families and us. What can we do about it? Jacob’s devastating error In today’s Bible reading, Jacob doesn’t return to his Hebron family as God told him (Genesis 31:3) or to Luz (Bethel) where he previously made a promise to God; nor does he go to Seir as he told his brother (Genesis 33:16-20; Genesis 35:1). Instead, Jacob settles in Succoth, near Shechem, in the opposite direction of Seir. Perhaps he fears living close to his brother. However, the good grazing land in Succoth lures Jacob to stay. Jacob is looking out for his business interests, not the interests of God or his family. Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob, visits the Canaanite women of the land. This wasn’t a safe choice—the Canaanites were idol worshippers, sexually immoral, and wicked! Shechem, the area ruler’s son, meets her, becomes obsessed with her, and rapes her. Dinah shouldn’t have gone there, but if Jacob had been in the place where God wanted him, this wouldn’t have occurred. Parents need to lead their families in righteousness, which means protecting and providing for them. If we are family leaders, are we looking out for their interests or our own? Revenge! When Dinah’s brothers discover their sister has been violated, they are angry and seek revenge. Jacob’s sons have learned how to deceive from the example of their father. They tell the Shechemites that the only way they can give Dinah to Shechem as a wife and join with them as one people is if they become like Israel and circumcise all their males. Gladly, they comply to share all the riches Jacob has acquired. After three days, while they are sore, two sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, kill all the males, remove their sister from Shechem’s house, capture all the females and children, and loot the city. Although God allows Jacob’s sons to act with revenge, the situation was handled deceitfully and in a hostile manner. This could have caused Jacob a lot of trouble with neighboring people, who might have had friendly relationships with the Shechemites. Jacob’s help is in the LORD The LORD gives the solution to Jacob: “ Go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau” (Genesis 35:1). There God promised to bless Jacob and his descendants. Today, God promises forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life to all who call upon him for their salvation. Jacob smartens up—he knows he made a costly mistake, and this time it hurt his family and reputation. Full devotion and obedience to God are necessary for his blessings, not bargains or half-hearted commitments. Jacob’s total commitment to the LORD is shown when he tells his family to get rid of their idols, purify themselves, and change their clothes (Genesis 35:2-4). Implied in this request is that Jacob has led by example. What about us? Have we realized that complete dedication to the LORD means getting rid of idols (anything more important to us than God), purifying ourselves by turning to him from our sin, and changing our clothes (our ways and habits)? How can God give us his blessing if there is no genuine change of heart and loyalty? Full commitment to the LORD leads to his favor, but we must set the example before we challenge our family to follow him. God’s protection and grace God rewards Jacob’s new loyalty by protecting his family from their neighbors. He causes the fear of the LORD to fall upon them—no one pursues them (Genesis 35:5). At Bethel, he renews his covenant of blessing with Jacob and officially changes his name to Israel. Jacob means supplanter (by deception). Israel means God fights. The Almighty will fight his battles; he does not need to deceive to win. In God’s grace, Jacob is allowed to arrive home before his father dies. In a spirit of unity, he and his brother Esau bury their father. The LORD is good! Let’s praise him for his extraordinary grace! End note: The idols were probably obtained from the people of Shechem or Laban’s family Discussion Jacob made a costly mistake that hurt his family. How can we avoid doing something similar? We live in a society where it seems that few make commitments. What does it mean to be fully committed to the LORD? Why should we do this? Jacob’s name, meaning “Supplanter,” was changed to Israel, meaning, “God Fights.” What can we learn from how this was played out in Jacob’s life? How might it apply to our lives? Focus Verses Romans 13:13-14 (NIV) Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. You can watch a video presentation of this lesson here. Begin at 1:05:17 and end at 1:12:44
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study: Enter your prayer here: Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com Looking Ahead: In our Next Lesson, we begin the life of Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob. Favoritism causes Jealousy. How do we Overcome Animosity caused by jealousy in our family, business, or ministry? Previous Lesson  |  Next Lesson Back to top of page Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page Go to Scriptures main page Go to Topics main page Go to Home page re-edited 1-24-21

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