Chapter 34 adds a bizarre twist to the story. And it demonstrates the trouble that can be done when we carry the burden of vengeance ourselves. The brothers had every right to be angry, but the way they went about their revenge was horrible. They killed every male! These guys were getting ready to make a full contract and merge with the Israelites into one nation. Because the brothers let their tempers (and the pride, most likely) get out of control, the new nation of Israel now has few men to defend it, and too many women to effectively defend. I honestly don't know what the right way would have been to deal with their sister's rape. But this obviously wasn't it. They didn't do this for their sister. This was all about pride. Maybe that's why God wants to keep the vengeance thing for Himself.
I am once again moved by the name change ceremony in chapter 35. I have often wondered whether God knows us by our given name or if he has another name for us that he calls us. And if it is my given name, which name is written in the book of life? My maiden name or my married name? In the grand scheme of things, of course, this doesn't matter. But just an interesting thing to think about...
Also in this chapter, Rachel dies in childbirth, and Isaac dies and is buried by both sons, together.
Reading through Esau's bloodline (chapter 36) reminded me of something cool. I didn't recognize many of the names, it reminded me that the Bible is a historical document. I heard on the radio yesterday of a historian who traveled to Israel for the purpose of disproving the Bible archaeologically. His conclusion was that the Bible is the most reliable historical document in existence. Archaeology has never been able to even contradict the Bible's record. In fact, the more discoveries that are made, the more reliable it proves to be.
Chapter 37 - Joseph
When reading the story of Joseph's family history is quick succession like we have, his brother's jealousy doesn't seem all that incredible. Of course they were jealous. Look at their mothers and the lives they were forced into. It is also not that hard to understand why they hated him. He had worked as a spy for his dad, and tattled on his brothers in verse 2. He is the youngest, except for Ben, and their father is blatant in his favoritism.
I can't help but think that Joseph might should have kept the content of his dreams to himself--especially the second one. Learn from your mistakes, boy! But he does tell them, and they hate him all the more for it.
I don't know why Jacob was sending him to the field in verse 13. Maybe it was to check up on them and give him another report, or maybe he knew of the grumbling in the house, and he hoped they could spend some bonding time and smooth things over. Either way, he could have benefited from leaving the blasted robe at home! They saw him coming a mile away! Did any of you notice what they did right after they threw him into the pit? They sat down together and had a meal. They must have been very hardened against him to be able to picnic with him screaming and crying for his life. (Cuz we all know he wasn't the silent type, right?)
Then, of course, Judah makes a plan. His plan will make them a little money, and they won't have to cover up a death. "He is our brother after all." Yeah. And how about when they report back to their dad? They are so blatant in their deception. As if their father wouldn't recognize a coat like that. They knew it was him from a distance. This was revenge on Jacob, as well
It's hard to understand why God would let something like this happen to someone. But first, we have to remember that God had Reuben ready to save him from being killed if they had decided to. Another thing is, that we know it was God's purpose that Joseph should go to Egypt, and as we'll see, eventually be the savior of the whole nation of Israel. He allowed his brothers to mistreat him--maybe to teach him a lesson in humility, but definitely to build his character and cement his reliance on God.
We each have our own hardships to deal with--some milder than Joseph's and some much worse. We have to trust that God allowed that pain in our lives to strengthen our bond with Him, and if we let him, he'll use that struggle to further the Kingdom.
Next time: Genesis 38-39
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