34:1-4
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Although Dinah was not to be blamed for being violated, she unnecessarily exposed herself to this danger by going out alone. She let her curiosity become more important than wisdom.
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Curiosity can be dangerous. Consider the potential dangers of choices before you make them.
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As parents, remember that your children, especially your daughters, will be in greater danger if they spend time amongst unbelieving people.
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Stay close to your children, and do not leave them with those whom you cannot trust that, with absolute certainty, will protect your children from unnecessary exposure to bad behavior and will also be an example to them of good behavior.
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Verse 3. Remember that kind words mean nothing from a person with ill or selfish intent. Do not believe kind words. Believe character, and especially when choosing a spouse.
34:5-31
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Verse 22-27. Even though Simeon and Levi acted deceitfully, which was wrong on their part, God used their actions to snare the Hivite men, who were greedy and lustful.
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As with the Hivites, your sin will snare you. And remember that if you try to pretend godliness, as they did with being circumcised, it will end badly.
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Verses 30-31. Remember that your choices affect others as well as yourself. Simeon and Levi, in their zeal, did not consider how their actions would affect their father's household, in causing others around him to view him negatively.
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Consider how your choices will affect others before you make those choices.
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35:1-4
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Verses 1-4. After having lived for years in a place surrounded by pagan cities, it seems that many of those in Jacob's household had taken on idolatrous associations. So, before Jacob moved his household, he made sure that they had purified themselves of idolatrous ways.
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It is imperative, as we continue to live and especially when we make big decisions for our household, that we make sure our actions are godly. Consistently examine yourself, and make sure your actions are right, in and before every circumstance.
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Plans often fail and big decisions lead to big problems when we move forward without integrity (Proverbs 10:28).
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The actions of close people in your life will affect you. Always encourage those around you, in your home and community, to be godly in their actions while you are in your own (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).
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35:5-15
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Verse 5. Even though it was expected that the nations surrounding Jacob would have attacked him, due to the repulsive actions of Simeon and Levi, God protected Jacob by bringing a great fear upon all those cities, so that they did not attack him.
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Remember that God is your protector. Someone else's actions may put you in danger, as Simeon and Levi's actions put Jacob's household in danger, but don't be frustrated or afraid. No matter what, God will do for you what He has promised, and He will protect you by any means necessary. Trust Him! God is in control, and even in the minds of men, to cause or prevent any action that He purposes.
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35:16-29
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Verses 19-20. Soon after God had reassured Jacob of His promise, Rachel died.
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Notice that Jacob buried Rachel as he traveled. Jacob did not let the death of his beloved wife discourage him or cause him to slow down. He kept moving.
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Following God does not excuse us from hardships. Death happens.
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Though you may take some time to grieve them, don't let a loved one's death rob you of your diligence and consistent pace to follow God and obey His Word.
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