There are a number of chapters in the old testament where some bad situation occurs but there isn't a statement of wrong and right in the situation but only a description of the event. At times there is later commentary about the event. Genesis 24 is such a chapter. Israel's daughter is raped by a local ruler's son. (First bad event) and then the son's of Israel trick that town and take revenge and kill all the men (second bad event).
In the first situation there is a clear description that it is wrong:
Meanwhile, Jacob's sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious, because Shechem had done an outrageous thing in Israel by sleeping with Jacob's daughter—a thing that should not be done.
Genesis 34:7 NIV
For the second it is less clear. On the one hand it does describe their initial actions as deceitful (verse 13) but Jacob's objections are more at the level of safety vs moral judgement.
At a later time though we do see that this action brings a curse on them for their anger and violence when Israel prounounces his blessings on his children in Genesis 49:5-7.
Father, thank you for your kindness and mercy! Help me to walk before you in obedience and in a way that honors you!
No comments:
Post a Comment