Genesis Chapter 38

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

38

1. It happened at that time that Judah went down from his brothers and settled near a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; he married her and went in to her. 3 She conceived and bore a son; and he named him Er. 4 Again she conceived and bore a son whom she named Onan. 5 Yet again she bore a son, and she named him Shelah. She was in Chezib when she bore him.

(Genesis chapter 38 verses 1 to 5)

In contrast to Genesis chapter 37 which had Joseph as the centre of attraction Genesis chapter 38 has Judah one of Jacob's sons as the primary focus. Although it was common knowledge that the descendants of Abraham were not to marry the people of Canaan, this rule was constantly violated. On analysing verses 1 to 5 we can observe that the presence of God was not with Judah. With reference to Judah and his wife, the biblical author used terms impersonal terms such as he and she thus denoting that the act of marriage and the resulting offspring did not have anything to do with God and neither did it have His blessing. When we insist on having our way instead of deciding to follow the will of God, we automatically place God, outside of the scenario and we become the primary actors in the situation to our own detriment.

6. Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn; her name was Tamar. 7 But E, Judah's firstborn was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD put him to death.

(Genesis chapter 38 verses 6 to 7)


It is shocking to reflect on such verses that reflect God as having put to death a human being after having had promised not to destroy any human on earth by means of the flood. However, it surely was the case that Er had violated all of God's rules and even the social norms of his time by his wickedness and therefore there was no shred of goodness in him. Somehow Er had the death penalty on his head especially when considering that he was living in a circle of evil and negativity. The devil had a field day with him. I do not believe that actually God in all his love and goodness, could ever kill someone however, on the other hand, He could permit that negative person to perish by the hand of another person who is also deep in sin.


8. Then Judah said to Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her; raise up offspring for your brother."

(Genesis chapter 38 verse 8)


In this world of struggles between rights, wants needs and obligations we have a tendency to forget the meaning of the word duty which is based on a two fold axis, that is our duty to God and our duty to our family, friends amongst others. When you find yourself fighting for your rights, stop and think if your are performing what is your duty on the mentioned axis. If we find that we are not performing our duty, it is best to stop fighting for our rights.


9. But since Onan knew that the offspring would not be his he spilled his semen on the ground whenever he went in to his brother's wife, so that he would not give offspring to his brother. 10 What he did was displeasing in the sight of the LORD, and he put him to death also.

(Genesis chapter 38 verses 9 to 10)


Verses 9 to 10 give us a concrete answer to the question whether masturbation is good or bad. When Onan spilled his semen on the ground, this is similar to masturbation. God hated this bad and negative practise and even condemned Onan for it. Death can be considered as taking place on two levels, the physical and the spiritual. A person could be alive physically but dead on a spiritual level.


11. Then Judah said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, "Remain a widow in your father's house until my son Shelah grows up"- for he feared that he too would die like his brothers. So Tamar went to live in her father's house.

(Genesis chapter 38 verse 11)


Fear causes us to do things that we do not want to. Judah feared that he would lose his life if he had physical contact with Tamar, so he lied to her. During our everyday interactions we often end up in the same situation and end up saying a lie to conceal the truth.


12. In course of time the wife of Judah Shua's daughter, died; when Judah's time of mourning was over, he went up to Timnah to his sheepshearers, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 13 When Tamar was told, "Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep," 14 she put off her widow's garments, put on a veil, wrapped herself up, and sat down at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah. She saw that Shelah was grown up, yet she had not been given to him in marriage.

(Genesis chapter 38 verses 12 to 14)


When reflecting on verses 12 to 14 of the 38th Chapter of the book of Genesis we have a portrayal of a person who is cheated and hurt. Judah had lied to Tamar about Shelah. On the other hand Tamar had remained obedient and faithful to Judah's wish, that conditioned Tamar to remain a widow and not marry until his son Shelah was of an age to marry her and have children. Now that Tamar realised that Judah had broken his promise she decided to seek revenge on him.


When in such an emotionally stimulating situation conditioned by anger and hurts, we are never to seek revenge. Our first reaction if we really believe in God is to seek His consolation and discernment. Although the world may treat us badly we are never to behave likewise. If I applied for 15 days leave at work and was only allowed to have 7 my reaction is to accept it as being according to the will of God, and not hit back by taking a whole month sick leave for no reason at all.


 15. When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a prostitute, for she had covered her face. 16 he went over to her at the roadside, and said, "Come, let me come in to you," for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. She said, "What will you give me, that you may come in to me?" 17 He answered, "I will send you a kid from the flock." And she said, "Only if you give me a pledge, until you send it." He said, "What pledge shall I give you?" She replied, "Your signet and your cord, and the staff that is in your hand." So he gave them to her, and went in to her. and she conceived by him. 19 then she got up and went away, and taking off her veil she put on the garments of her widowhood.

(Genesis chapter 38 verses 15 to 19)


The betrayed person loses all hope of trust in the person by whom one is betrayed. This is the reality of Tamar which we partake of. In English we have the saying, "Once bitten, twice shy". When in the presence of Judah Tamar asks him for evidence or a token that reflected himself that she could use against him when the right moment arose. With God we do the same thing, although He has never betrayed us. As humans we tend to treat God as we treat each other, that is by showing distrust in Him. We make promises that are tied to a condition that we make thus binding God into our personal agenda. A typical example is when we promise God not to smoke cigarettes if our son or daughter graduates from university, or if my daughter has a safe pregnancy (which is not the case for she is still six years old)


20. When Judah sent the kid by his friend the Adullamite, to recover the pledge from the woman, he could not find her. 21 He asked the townspeople, "Where is the temple prostitute who was at Enaim by the wayside?" But they said, "No prostitute has been here." 22 So he returned to Judah, and said, "I have not found her: moreover the townspeople said, 'No prostitute has been here.' 23 Judah replied, "Let her keep the things as her own, otherwise we will be laughed at; you see, I sent this kid, and you could not find her."

(Genesis chapter 38 verses 20 to 23)


On reflecting, when Judah gave his personal belongings to Tamar it was like when we give or mishandle our identity card that is a precious document reflecting our personal identity. Judah did not value his personal self and thus traded it for a cheap price of carnal desires. When he could not retrieve back his precious items, he did not care about it. Judah was happy by the fact that he did his part but otherwise he did not care of the outcome of the situation, in the sense that he could do nothing else about the matter.


When we have a serious argument with somebody, as in the example of husband and wife, who in the end might call of their marriage, our attitude might be the same as Judah. We might make a trivial attempt to amend the situation, however due to the fact that our motivation might not be that strong to find a solution we remain happy with the fact that at least we tried by maybe a single phone call, that was rejected, or sending a gift that may have been sent back. This may be a subtle way of reconciling w9ith our ego or conscience or moralistic self. However this is not enough. In such situations, we are to seek all attempts to seek a reconciliation and never give up, even if all our attempts are rejected. If we still believe in the relationship that God wanted to be so in holy matrimony, as being the fruit of God's will we are to keep on praying and trying to seek a reconciliation even if this means alot of sacrifice from our part.


24. About three months later Judah was told, "Your daughter-in-law Tamar has played the whore; moreover she is pregnant as a result of whoredom." And Judah said, "Bring her out. and let her be be burned."

(Genesis chapter 38 verse 24)


In light of verse 24 of the 38th chapter of the book of Genesis, the Word of God teaches us, how easy it is to pass judgement on other people, without even ever stopping to consider if we had a part or fault in the given circumstances as in the present case in point that of Tamar and Judah. When passing such judgement without considering all factors we make one mistake after another. Ideally as Jesus tells us in the New Testament it is better not to judge others at all. However if we are in a responsible position that requires that we pass judgement we are to be very careful and do so in a way that is respectful and adherent to God's ways and values and ethical moral judgements as found in God's Word both in the old Testament and as confirmed by Jesus in the New Testament.


25. As she was being brought out, she sent word to her father-in-law, "It was the owner of these who made me pregnant." And she said, "Take note, please, whose these are, the signet and the cord and the staff." 26 Then Judah acknowledged them and said, "She is more in right than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah." And he did not lie with her again.

(Genesis chapter 38 verses 25 to 26)


As the English saying says, honesty is the best policy. On facing the evidence Judah could not deny the truth and acknowledged that he was was the owner of the mentioned items and son the father of Tamar's child. Judah also admitted his sin, that of not keeping the promise that he had made to Tamar with reference to his son Shelah. When put to the test Judah showed that he was an honest person. This is to be our reality when placed in a situation where we are to give testimony to the truth, about God, and even about ourselves.


27. When the time of her delivery came, there were twins in her womb. 28 While she was in labour, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and bound his hand a crimson thread, saying, "This one came out first." 29 But just then he drew back his hand, and out came his brother; and she said, "What a breach you have made for yourself!" Therefore he was named Perez. 30 Afterwards his brother came out with the crimson hand; and he was named Zerah.

(Genesis chapter 38 verses 27 to 30)


As in the case of Jacob and Esau, from the time of birth, there was strife between the two brothers, that almost ended up with the tragic loss of one of them. In the case of Tamar, we are already witnessing signs of strife between the two brothers, that may be confirmed later on in life.


In light of the teachings that the Holy Spirit of God taught us throughout this chapter I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer.


Oh God I pray that you give me more control over my self, meaning my drives and urges and even my thoughts and wishes that are not always positive. I pray forgiveness when myself got the better of me and I did acts which were not approved of in your sight. Thank for loving me and giving me the opportunity to start again in my relationship with you. I also pray that you heal me from the wounds of the past, that like Tamar also consisted of bitter experiences of betrayal and anger that at times culminated to the level of revenge. Thank you for making me aware that you avenge with love over hatred and not with violence.

Thank You God. 

Genesis Chapter 37

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

37

1. Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2 This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father's wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 1 and 2)

From the very beginning of this chapter, the biblical author makes a special emphasis, that this chapter is going to focus on the character of Joseph. Important details are given to us about him. Of the most important details is the fact, that Joseph was still young both in age and in status which was that of a helper. This means that he was not yet a fully fledged shepherd. He was still getting hold of the ropes during this period of formation. However it seems, that Joseph was very intelligent, for he had the ability to discern the good behaviour of a shepherd from that of the bad and negative shepherd.

As Christians in our spiritual lives we may still be trainees or novices or not fully fledged Christians, or even human beings. However although we are still in the beginning of our walk with God we still can discern good from evil or bad practises as in the case of Joseph. Like Joseph we are also amongst the herds of God on earth. The Church of Jesus is one big fold with many shepherds, however the leader of all the shepherds is the Holy Spirit of the Almighty God who leads us in our ways, takes care of us during our every-day life and protects us from the wolves, who try to kill our souls or endanger it.


3. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 3 to 4)


 It seems that Jacob did not learn from the mistakes that his father did in the past when, Isaac preferred Esau over himself. When we do so, there are many negative side effects such as jealousy, that can easily become hatred, if not healed. When a person becomes jealous the latter's behaviour completely changes, to the extent that it cannot even stand the presence of the so called 'good person'. This is why the Devil hates us so much that he is angry and irritated when God protects us from his ways. He becomes so angry that he tries to find another person whom to possess instead of the one under God's protection. His ideal choice is that of the angry or jealous person, who in this negative state will not be in a state of grace and therefore is prone to sin.


5. Once Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, "Listen to this dream that I dreamed. 7 There we were binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright; then your sheaves gathered around it, and bowed down to my sheaf." 8 His brothers said to him, "Are you indeed to reign over us? Are you indeed to have dominion over us?" So they hated him even more because of his dreams and his words.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 5 to 8)



On reflecting one would not blame Joseph's brothers for being angry at him on sharing with them such a dream of grandeur and majesty. However on the other hand, what they may have not considered in the given situation was the possibility, that God may have had been talking to them and even to us, by means of the same circumstances. When God intervened in my life it was also be means of a dream, in which God told me to leave everything I had and follow Him. On sharing my dream with others even people in the Church I was not given credibility, however today I am still obeying God's call and following His ways according to His Holy Will.


9. He had another dream, and told it to his brothers, saying, "Look, I have had another dream: the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me."

(Genesis chapter 37 verse 9)


I can imagine the animosity and jealousy of Joseph's brothers on hearing his second dream. For a particular reason God gave Joseph the talent of dream interpretation, which was to cause him both benefits and liabilities. It was according to God's plan for our salvation that Joseph was given this character of a dreamer. At times we may turn on ourselves and even on God and ask Him why he made us in this or that way, or maybe why He did not give us the same skills or talents like Joe or Bessy. God will lovingly look back at us and say. 'Love yourself as much as I love you, accept yourself for what and who you are" and moreover He would also tell us that He created us in this way for a purpose that only He knows, that fits in His plan for our salvation and for that of the world. Therefore we are always to thank God for making us as we are even though we may not understand God's reasons for doing so at the time in question.


10. But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him, and said to him, "What kind of dream is this that you have had? Shall we indeed come, I and your mother and your brothers, and bow to the ground before you? 11 So his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 10 to 11)


On sharing this second dream Joseph was not believed or understood. Moreover in the given circumstances the sharing of his dreams was adding more fuel to the flame that had gradually become a bonfire that was ready to consume him, in the sense that his brothers had become more angry and jealous than ever before. However his father Jacob or Israel as he was now called kept on thinking about the message of the dreams. This means that although he did not believe the dream, however Jacob did not totally eliminate the possibility of its becoming fulfilled in some way or another. With God it is the same story. He reveals to us many messages through many circumstances. We may not always understand them at the time, but this does not mean that we are to completely forget them. In time God may give us a more detailed explanation about His revelation to us and then we would be able to perceive the situation in a more holistic way. When I received my call I did not understand what God had told me. I thought He wanted me to be a priest, however after having spent two years living in a convent where I was going to be prepared for Holy Orders, God showed me that this is not what he wanted from me.


12. Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come I will send you to them." He answered "Here I am." 14 So he said to him, "Go now see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring word back to me." So he sent him from the valley of Hebron. 

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 12 to 14)


For some reason Jacob or Israel was prompted to send Joseph to see if his brothers and the flocks were all safe and sound. It could be that Jacob had sent them pasturing and they had taken more time than he had calculated and he became concerned about them. Moreover the delay could have been according to God's will so that Joseph would need to be sent to enquire on the situation. At times we find ourselves in places, without ever having planned to be there. God may have tailored the situation with the intention for us to meet a particular person who may be in need of your support, or maybe a person who is ready to offer us a one time job opportunity. As in the case of the fisherman who has to be at the right spot and at the right time to make a good catch, God permits us to go and be at the perfect spot, so that His plan for us and the world can actually unfold.


He came to Shechem, 15 and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, "What are you seeking?" 16 " I am seeking my brothers," he said; " tell me please, where they are pasturing the flock." 17 The man said, "They have gone away, for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.' So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 15 to 17)



Apparently it seems that Joseph's brothers had indeed changed their original route. At times we make decisions that take us in a direction that far beyond what God has planned for us.


18. They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him.

(Genesis chapter 37 verse 18)


Even before Joseph had reached his destination, the devil had already prompted his brothers to kill him. We can observe that evil is swift in giving us ideas and even very creative in a negative way. Satan gives us plans, however he makes us estranged from the negative consequences that await us, once we have executed our evil plans.


19. They said to one another, "Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams."

(Genesis chapter 37 verse 19 to 20)



The devil had already prompted Joseph's brothers to kill him, and even given them the perfect plan in order to make their alibi credible.


21.  But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, "Let us not take his life." 22 Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him" - that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 21 to 22)



As in the case of Judas Iscariot in the New Testament he agreed to sell Jesus to the Pharisees, so that they could maybe show him that showing love to enemies according to the logic of the world did not make sense. Maybe the Pharisees could threaten him and Jesus would change the course of the mission given to Him by His father. Judas did not aim for the destruction of Jesus. After the local authorities would have shaken Jesus up Judas would have gone to bail Jesus out of their hands as in the case of Reuben who did not want his brothers to kill Joseph.


23. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; 24 and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 23 to 24)


On reflecting the source of all the trouble had been the preferential treatment that Jacob or Israel had given to Joseph, the robe symbolised Joseph's dignity and authority over his brothers. Therefore when stripping Joseph of his robe, was removing his dignity as a human and treating him as a slave or a worthless object that was worthy to be disposed off as in the case of the empty pit.


When we sin, the same thing happens to us, we are stripped of our dignity as sons and daughters of God and we become fearful and insecure.


25. Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh." And his brothers agreed.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 25 to 27)


The first signs of a guilty conscience were already showing. The idea, that they had decided to kill their brother was already causing them to experience discomfort, therefore in order to compensate for these feelings they decided to sell him instead of shedding his blood. During such times the second option may appear to be as practical as the first. Instead of filing for a separation a man might decide to make the life of his wife a living hell so that she would be compelled to leave the matrimonial household instead of having to throw her our himself or fight her in court. The devil stops at nothing when tempting us to sin against God and each other.


28. When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

(Genesis chapter 37 verse 28)


As in the case of Jesus, Joseph was sold at a price. At times we may also be tempted to sell Jesus. Typical examples when we sell Jesus, is when we decide on choosing the pleasures of the world, such as a night out instead of going to mass or somewhere that is spiritually healthy. When choosing the ways of the world we it is as if we are involved in a transaction that forsakes the will of God for that of the world.


29. When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes. 30 He returned to his brothers, and said, "The boy is gone; and I, where can I turn?" 31 Then they took Joseph's robe, slaughtered a goat, and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They had the long robe with sleeves taken to their father, and they said, "This we have found, see now whether it is your son's robe or not."

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 29 to 32)


Apparently it seems that Reuben was the eldest of the brothers and thus responsible for their well being. On realising that Joseph was missing from the pit, that he had planned to save him from he ripped his clothes in desperation and instantly found himself in a state of anxiety over the consequences of the possibility of his brother's death. However the devil was still giving them ideas and the problem was solved by a forged lie with the consent of all the brothers. Thus by faking the evidence the brothers created an alibi to prove their brothers death. At times we also try to find reasons to justify our negative acts. However it is one sin compensating or covering up for another, thus making the second sin worse than the first.


33. He recognized it, and said, "It is my son's robe! A wild animal has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces." 34 Then Jacob tore his garments, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and his daughters sought to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted,  and said, "No I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning." Thus his father bewailed him. 36 Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar one of the Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard.

(Genesis chapter 37 verses 33 to 36)


Without knowing the whole truth of the situation, Jacob jumped to the conclusion that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal. Jacob started mourning his son Joseph without being hundred percent sure that his son was really dead or wounded.


At times we do the same mistake. We tend to believe in God or anything about God without stopping to consider if our belief is based on faith or on the knowledge forwarded to us by others who could easily be mistaken. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God because this is what the Roman Catholic Church by means of the Word of God has taught us, however on making a peak experience of God ourselves, the teachings of the Church start making more sense in our lives, because they will be backed up by our own experience.

I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


Thank You God for treating us equally in your eyes and not showing discrimination in favour of some over the others. Please make me aware of this mistake if and when I happen to fall into this dangerous trap.  Further more please protect me from the sin of jealousy that causes us to commit one sin after another. Protect us with Your Almighty Blood from the traps of the Devil who is always ready to persuade us to act against Your Will. 

Thank You God 

Genesis Chapter 36 Easter Day

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

36

1. These are the descendants of Esau (that is Edom). Esau took his wives from the Canaanites: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah daughter of Anah son of Zibeon the Hivite, 3 and Bsemath, Ishmael's daughter, sister Of Nebaioth. Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau; Basemath bore Reuel; 5 and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons Of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan.

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 1 to 5)

For some reason the author of the book of Genesis, chose to begin this chapter by giving us an in depth account of the descendants of Esau. The aim of the biblical author could be that of showing us, the readers to what extent, God kept his promise to both Esau and Jacob, to whom a nation was promised. On analysing the first five verses, it becomes evident that Esau's choice of wives went against the will of God who had strictly forbidden Abraham's descendants to marry the sons and daughters of the pagan and idolatrous people of the land of Canaan.

6. Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, his cattle, and all his livestock, and all the property he had acquired in the land of Canaan, and he moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob. 7 For their possessions were too great for them to live together; the land where they were staying could not support them because of their livestock. 8 So Esau settled in the hill country of Seir, Esau is Edom.

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 6 to 8)


The biblical author continues to update us and the reader for whom this scripture was purposely meant to be written by giving us more details of the reasons justifying the separation of the two brothers that took place fourteen years after they had met after being separated in enmity. God gives us information in little pieces, so that our brain has enough time to put the pieces together in order to get a clear perception of the situation. At the time in question a situation may appear to be complex and strange, but in time God clears the clouds and removes all the doubts and questions.


9. These are the descendants of Esau, ancestor of the Edomites, in the hill country of Seir. 10 These are the names of Esau's sons: Eliphaz son of Adah the wife of Esau; Reuel, the son of Esau's wife Basemath. 11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz. 12 (Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son; she bore Amalek to Eliphaz.) These were the sons Adah, Esau's wife. 13 These were the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the sons of Esau's wife, Basemath. 14 These were the sons of Esau's wife Oholibamah, daughter of Anah son of Zibeon; she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 9 to 14)


Although this chapter appears to be a very tedious or boring one, it can be observed that the author of the book of Genesis is introducing us to many new characters on the chessboard of Esau and Jacob's life. New people can influence our micro environment that is our family and even our macro environment which means our society comprising of our values norms and beliefs.


15. These are the clans of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau; the clans Temar, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, 16 Korah, Gatam, and Amalek; these are the clans of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; they are the sons of Adah. 17 These are the sons of Esau's son Reuel: the clans Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah; these are the clans of Reuel in the land of Edom; they are the sons of Esau's wife Bsemath. 18 These are the sons of Esau's wife Oholibamah; the clans Jeush, Jalam, and Korah; these are the clans born of Esau's wife Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah. 19 These are the sons of Esau (that is Edom), and these are their clans.

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 15 to 19)


As we can witness Esau's descendants became a mighty force that consisted of many clans. Thus gradually God's plan for our salvation continued to unfold by means of these new members that gradually found their places into the system or history of events that were to take place later on.


20. These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 21 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan; these are the clans of the Horites, the sons of Seir in the land of Edom. 22 The sons of Lotan were Hori and Heman; and Lotan's sister was Timna. 23 These are the sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. 24 These are the sons of Zibeon; Aiah and Anah; he is the Anah who found the springs in the wilderness as he pastured the donkeys of his father Zibeon.

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 20 to 24)

As I have previously mentioned, everybody born in the world, is assigned a particular role and nobody leaves this earth before he or she has performed that role which was assigned by God to us to fulfil.


25. These are the children of Anah; Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah. 26 These are the sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 27 These are the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. 28 These are the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran. 29 These are the clans of the Horites; the clans Lotan Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 30 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan; these are the clans of the Horites clan by clan in the land of Seir.

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 25 to 30)


Much to God's displeasure the sons of Esau continued to mingle and intermarry with the inhabitants of Canaan meaning the Horites, amongst which many sons were born, thus contaminating the clan by pagan influence.


31. These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites. 32 Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom, the name of the city being Dinhabah. 33 Bela died, and Jobab son of Zerah of Bozrah succeeded him as king. 35 Husham died, and Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, succeeded him as king, the name of his city being Avith.

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 31 to 35)


On observing the development of this nation we can observe that this enormous group of people became more structured and organized, so much that a hierarchy was created consisting of many kings. The people were now managed and ruled by themselves according to the orders of a human more than governed by the rules of God. As a consequence this nation even referred to means such as war in order to ensure their survival.


36. Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah succeeded him as king. 37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth on the Euphrates succeeded him as king. 38 Shaul died, and Baal-hanan son of Achbor succeeded him as king. 39 Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, and Hadar succeeded him as king. 39 Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, and Hadar succeeded him as king, the name of his city being Pau; his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, daughter of Me-zahab. 

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 36 to 39)


Amongst the list of kings and their successors it can be noted that even female members were included in the selection. When considering the cultures of these times, it is not common to include the names of female members, therefore any female mentioned by her name is of significance in the narrative, which is like a tapestry in the sense that one character has something to do with the other.


40. These are the names of the clans of Esau, according to their families and their localities by their names; the clans Timna Alvah, Jetheth, 41 Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, 42 Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, 43 Magdiel, and Iram; these are the clans of Edom (that is Esau, the father of Edom), according to their settlements in the land that they held.

(Genesis chapter 36 verses 40 to 42)


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:


Thank you Oh God for always keeping your promises. Moreover thanks for creating a perfect world order. I pray that I always let you be king in my life, and not let myself be persuaded by the sinful forces of this world. Throughout this chapter I became more aware that You created us all to fulfil a particular purpose that in some way or other has an influence on both our personal environment and our larger one or extended one meaning society at large. I pray that in my own simple ways I be of an example to others and that you send many more people, who are of a better example to me and society at large, May we all be a positive influence on others.

Thank You God 

Genesis Chapter 35

GENESIS

 CHAPTER

 35

1. God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau".

(Genesis chapter 35 verse 1)

Although for Jacob life may had settled in the sense of having established a daily routine, save for the every day trivial squabbles, amongst themselves as a family or litigation's at times with the inhabitants, God at times decides to break the established pattern by asking us to move on in life. I used to work at many work places, however when, the time came to move on, God created a situation, where the option was to either quit my work or be terminated. At the time I rebelled against God but later on in life on reflecting, I thank Him for permitting such events to have taken place, because if such events did not take place I could not have moved on in my life. Moreover I would not be praying on line by means of the Word of God and sharing my prayers and experience with whoever God permits to access this blog.

2. So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, and purify yourselves, and change your clothes; 3 then come, let us go up to Bethel, that I may make an altar there to the God who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone." 4 So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had and the rings that were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak that was near Shechem.

(Genesis chapter 35 verses 2 to 4)

It seems that even good people can become contaminated. Due to the murder that the sons of Jacob had committed on Hamor, shechem and his people, the sons of Jacob had greatly sinned. Therefore this great sin created a great barricade between God and humanity that, only God could remove by means of his forgiveness. On the other hand the sons of Jacob were to prove by means of an external act that they were sorry for what they had done. Therefore they gave Jacob all the foreign pagan gods that they had had in their possession so that Jacob could dispose of them so that they would be no more. Our God is a jealous God who wants to be the one and only God in our lives. Therefore other gods have no place in our life, if we decide to follow God the father.

5. As they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities all around them, so that no one pursued them.

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 5)

God proved to Jacob and his offspring that He was indeed with Jacob along the way to Bethel, which was a holy place because God had blessed the place with his presence. God made his power felt as much as his love. This is proved by the fact, that terror fell on the surrounding cities, however Jacob and his offspring did not experience such a negative feeling. On the way to Bethel Jacob ventured through neighbouring cities. His presence as a foreigner was bound to stimulate social unrest, especially when people would see the great number of family, offspring and herds. However God protected Jacob from the possibility of aggressive action.

6. Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him, 7 and there he built an altar and called the place El-betel, because it was there that God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother.

(Genesis chapter 35 verses 6 to 7)

El-betel had become a very important place for Jacob. This was the place where Jacob had made his peak experience of God. On reflecting we may all remember, places, people or moments during which we made a peak experience of God that has been of a positive influence for all our lives.

8. And Deborah, Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried under an oak below Bethel. So it was called Allon-bacuth.

(Genesis chapter 35 verse 8)


There comes a time in our life, whether we experience a time of death. This may either come at an untimely moment when a person is still young, as in the case of a sudden illness or accident, or it may come as a result of an advanced age amongst other reasons. However during such cases, there is always a death and a birth. On reflecting it can be said that the physical body dies, however the soul is 'born' in the sense that it is now free from the physical and sinful limitations of the body and is free to appear before God and make an actual experience of Him.


9. God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and he blessed him. 10 God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; no longer shall you be called Jacob but Israel shall be your name." So he was called Israel. 11 God said to him, "I am God Almighty, be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall spring from you. 12 The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you."

(Genesis chapter 35 verses 9 to 12)


On having made the experience of death Jacob who I imagine is now advanced in age, may have felt that his time had come. Moreover Jacob may have felt put down by the same event. During such moments of desolation, God is prompt to intervene in our lives in order to brighten up our demoralised spirits and revive us again. God did so with Jacob. He fulfilled to Jacob the same promise that God had originally made to his forefathers, meaning Abraham and Isaac.


13. Then God went up from him at the place where he had spoken with him. 14 Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured out a drink offering on it, and poured oil on it. 15 So Jacob called the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.

(Genesis chapter 35 verses 13 to 15)


During this era the anointing of a column had the mentioned significance. However on reflecting we can do the same thing but in a different way. By means of mother technology, that God backs up when it is used to enhance human well being and not to destroy it, God permitted the creation of video cameras or digital cameras. These devices have the ability to capture precious moments in our lives when God intervened in our life, such as our birth, Holy Communion, time of confirmation, ordination, wedding day and many other significant moments. These are golden moments when God manifested Himself to us, and we decided to say yes to Him in order to accept Him as our one and only God in our lives. These are indeed sacred moments that are to be treasured and even commemorated. As a family we have framed our baptismal, Holy Communion and even marriage certificates in order to always remember these important moments in our life.


16. Then they journeyed from Bethel; and when they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel was in childbirth, and she had hard labor. 17 When she was in her hard labour, the midwife said to her; "Do not be afraid; for now you will have another son." 18 As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. 19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is Bethlehem), 20 and Jacob set up a pillar at her grave; it is the pillar of Rachel's tomb, which is there to this day. 21 Israel journeyed on, and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.

(Genesis chapter 35 verses 16 to 21)


At times like Rachel it is very hard to give birth, even on a spiritual level. As in the case of physical labour as in childbirth the baby faces physical limitations as according to our human nature. On a spiritual level our humans nature which is lazy and egoistic imposes boundaries on our spiritual self, thus making the birth of God in our lives more difficult than ever. The devil attempts to abort the birth of God's presence in us. It may be that only on the point of death, do we acknowledge God as our own personal God and not before. The process of development would have lasted a life time, which would have, reached its apex during that critical moment, as in labour when the baby is born but still in the process of being ejected out of the womb to start its life. During such moment maybe at our death, there are some who keep on denying God and there are some who experience the love of God and change their lives.


22. While Israel lived in that land Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine; and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. 23 The sons of Leah; Reuben (Jacob's firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 25 The sons of Bilhah, Rachel's maid: Dan and Naphtali. 26 The sons of Zilpah, Leah's maid: Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan-aram.

(Genesis chapter 35 verses 22 to 26)


On reflecting it seems that even after the murder of Hamor, Shechem and their descendants sin remained much alive in Jacob's family. His son Reuben slept with his father's concubine which is in itself is a sinful act. However even through such illicit acts, God's plan for our salvation continues to unfold. Through Abraham and his offspring that included Jacob a nation was to be born. From a couple of two people meaning Leah and Jacob and Rachel, the number of offspring continued to increase to a total of twelve sons as in the breakdown referred to in verses 22 to 26 of chapter 35 of the book of Genesis.


27. Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had resided as aliens. 28 Now the days of Isaac were one hundred eighty years. 29 And Isaac breathed his last; he died and was gathered to his people, old and full of days; and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

(Genesis chapter 35 verses 27 to 29)


When referring to Genesis chapter 25, Isaac can be found in the following category in the post flood-generation chart on the criteria of time lived on earth

Abram fathered children when he was eighty-six years old (died at 175 years)

Shem when 100 years old fathered children and died at 500 years
Isaac lived 180 years and fathered two sons Esau and Jacob known as Israel

Arpachshad when 35 years old fathered children and died at 400 years.

Shelah when 30 years old fathered children and died at 403 years.

Eber fathered children when 34 years old and died at 430 years.

Peleg fathered children at 30 years old and died at 209 years.

Reu fathered children at 32 years old and died at 207 years.

Serug fathered children at 30 years old and died at 200 years.

Nahor fathered children at 29 years old.

 (Genesis chapter 25)

When we have fulfilled our role in God's plan for our salvation in a way that of the world, God calls us back to our heavenly home in order to spend the remaining time of our existence either in his presence or in eternal hell forever. The choice is totally ours.

In light of the teachings that God gave us on reflecting on chapter 35 of the book of Genesis, I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:

Oh God Almighty my heavenly father, thank you for the peak moments in my life. Thank for that day when you gave me my initial calling, when you told me to leave everything and follow you. Although I was discouraged by some to believe this revelation as being true I can never forget this precious moment that was so strong that it had a strong impact on my whole life. Thank you for speaking personally to me. 

I would also like to thank you for you presence in my life. Every day part of me dies, so that one day, you can have full control over me and I will act according to your Holy Will without having the will of interfering with your plans. Oh God although you do not force yourself on me, I freely and willingly give myself to you, so that with each passing day, you can mould me, from the sinful person, that I am into one, who lives and behaves according to your Holy Will.

Thank You God

Genesis Chapter 34

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

34

1 Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the women of the region.

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 1)

Dinah daughter of Leah and Jacob being new to the place, went to outside to see the place and explore it.

Just as Dinah wanted to explore we all should also explore God and try to know Him, better and achieve in a spirit of prayer a better understanding of Him and His will for us and the world at large. The more we explore about God the better we come to know Him and the more intimate our relationship becomes with bot God and mankind. 

However in the case of Dinah, she went into forbidden territory in the sense that she was putting herself at risk. All along God had warn Abraham, Isaac and even Jacob not to become familiar with the locals of Canaan because they were pagan non believers. However Dinah wondered away from the security of her family and put herself in instant danger or risk. When we wonder away from God and do what we wish instead of what God wants us to do, we are also putting our selves at risk, on a spiritual and even physical level which at times could result in very negative consequences that can even lead to our death. On the other hand when we place our security in our family we have its full support. The same holds for people in the Church of God. While we are in the Church we have its full support, however when we wander away and integrate with people of other religions who have different values, customs and traditions that in their ways differ from those of Christianity or even go against them, we are placing our spiritual, social and psychological selves in danger or at risk.

2 when Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the region, saw her, he seized her and lay with her by force.

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 2)

Shechem son of hamor was the prince of the region. When he looked and saw Dinah he found her to be beautiful and attractive. Shechem abused his power and authority and seized Dinah and imposed himself on her sexually meaning rape against her own will.



In life when people start to gain unlimited power, this leads to the abuse of that same power or authority. According to Mr. Devain Ajit Pawar the author of this chapter in India he has witnessed cases of abuse of power. According to Mr.  Devain Ajit Pewar  rich and powerful people who have money and important and powerful contacts people act as rulers over those who are very poor or are not as rich as themselves, to the extent that they are even ready to inflict harm on them in order to get what they want from them.


Such thing also happens on a personal level. When we start to taking control of our lives we start acting according to our decisions and not according to the will of God as found in His Word or in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church which He left us as practical reference on which to base our behaviour. When disobeying His will we may end up hurting each other and gradually start to neglect God who plays an important role in our life. As sons and daughters of God by means of our disobedience as in the case of our earthly fathers and mothers we worry our parents and even God who cares for us and loves us even more than our own parents. 


3 And his soul was drawn to Dinah daughter of Jacob; he loved the girl, and spoke tenderly to her.

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 3)


After forcefully sleeping with Dinah Shechem son of Hamor who was the prince of the region, grew fond of Dinah and became attracted to her. In order to convince her to be totally his Shechem spoke kindly to Dinah and tried to be polite with her in order to persuade her that he was attracted to her and that he was a good person.



The devil also works in a similar way. His one and only aim in life is to destroy our bond with God. The devil portrays himself as being a kind, generous and loving person who is always there in our lives as a caring and supportive presence who is always ready to offer us his help. However what we do not perceive in our situations is that what we may consider as help or deceptive ideas that may help us handle the situation to our sinful advantage and 'solving our problems' is actually the devil's plans and techniques of messing up our lives by making us commit one sin after another. This is the devil's way of destroying our spiritual relationship with God and in the process destroying our happiness that only God can give


4 So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, "Get me this girl to be my wife."

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 4)


Shechem was still not satisfied with raping and sleeping with Dinah. He wanted more than a one night stand. He wanted to completely possess her as his own as in the case of his servants and flocks in order to increase his power. In order to reach his goal he made use of his father and his unlimited power in order to make the necessary arrangements.



As humans we are all ambitious in our own ways. We have a strong craving or desire to have more and more and are never satisfied with what God have given to us. In this behavioural trait we resemble the devil who is always ambitious and is never satisfied with the degree of harm he inflicts on humans. His only aim is to destroy as many lives as possible and drag as many souls into hell as he possibly can.



5 Now Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah; but his sons were with his cattle in the field, so Jacob held his peace until they came.

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 5)



Although Jacob had heard about, what Shechem had done to his daughter, he held his temper and controlled himself instead of raising the alarm and declaring war on Shechem. Jacob waited for his sons to come back from the fields with their cattle to discuss this matter. It was a family issue and therefore it needed to be treated as such in the spirit of a family. It is very important to discuss issues as a family instead of acting personally in the spurt of the moment and making decisions that would cause more harm than good. Moreover it is more important for the family to pray for the guidance of God in order to illuminate our ways, so that we could make the right decisions 



6 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 6)



Hamor who was shechem's father went to Jacob to speak with him regarding what had happened between his son and Jacob's daughter. Like Shechem and Jacob,God always acts as a negotiator no matter how much we sin. God is aware of our human weakness and the evil of the devil who is always ready to tempt us to act against the will of God. Moreover when we come back to our senses in repentance, on having cooperated with the grace of God, He will be ready to negotiate a new action plan in order to keep us on track and not fall into the same temptation.


7 just as the sons of Jacob came in from the field. When they heard of it, the men were indignant and very angry, because he had committed an outrage in Israel by lying with Jacob's daughter, for such a thing ought not to be done.

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 7)



Jacob's sons came back from the field. On becoming aware of what had happened they were very angry. Once we are in a negative spirit of anger, the devil prompts us to commit even more negative and sinful acts, by stimulating our feelings and as in this case seek revenge for the injustice that had been committed against their sister. On comparing Jacob and Shechem with Jacob's sons we can conclude that Jacob and Shechem who were older in age than the sons of Jacob aimed at dialogue, which is a more peaceful and rational way to reach a healthy solution. On the other hand, Jacob's sons, who were still young and irrational were instantly stimulated on avenging the sin committed against their sister, without stopping to consider the consequences of their actions on both the long and short term. When God is alive in our hearts and minds as in the case of Jacob, our attitude to life changes. Our aims and reactions, will not be so carnal and emotional as much as when we were away from God.


Whenever things do not go our way, our first reaction may be that of becoming angry and start thinking ill of the opposing party whom we may perceive as being our enemy or opponent. During such situations we may only focus on the negative consequences of the situation and put aside, the positive consequences. During such moments we are to keep in mind that God always has an emergency backup plan for every situation, therefore in every situation we are to seek God's will in a spirit of prayer and lay our problem or challenge in the hands of Jesus who is sure to show us the positive solutions or coping skills in order to solve or cope with the consequences of the given situation.


A typical example is that of a a person is facing a terminal disease. The doctor informs the person that he has only a short time to live. Instead of reflecting on the good times that they had in their life they spend the remaining time of their life, feeling sad. They may start thinking that even God is against the person so much that He has decided to shorten his life span. 


8 But Hamor spoke with them, saying, "The heart of my son Shechem longs for your daughter; please give her to him in marriage.

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 8)


Instead of punishing his son Shechem his father tried to find what he perceived as to be a reasonable solution in the given situation and arrange for his son and Dinah to be married. Like Hamor Shechem's father God always attempts to negotiate with us through our conscience or significant others or even by means of his Holy Word that we are reflecting on, in order to help us reach the best solution to our problems. However, the devil is always present and ready to mess up the situation and destroy any possible alternatives to reach a peaceful conclusion.


As in the given situation, Hamor's decision was not one coming from God. Since His first encounter with Abraham God strictly told him that neither he or his offspring were to join in marriage with the people of Canaan, who were totally pagan in their ways and a risk for the spiritual welfare of the sons and daughters of God. Therefore the marriage proposal was totally against God's will. On the other hand marrying a lady because one has abused her in order to patch up the situation is not a good option, especially if one considers that the injured party has been robbed of her innocence and chastity that is a very precious thing. Moreover it is also good to keep in mind that Dinah who represents all raped women was emotionally hurt and would have perceived her abuser with hatred and not with love for ever. Therefore in such a situation the outcome of the marriage would surely not have been a positive one.


9 Make marriages with us; give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves. 10 You shall live with us; and the land shall be open to you; live and trade in it, and get property in it."11 Shechem also said to her father and to her brothers, "Let me find favor with you, and whatever you say to me I will give. 12 Put the marriage present and gift as high as you like, and I will give whatever you ask me; only give me the girl to be my wife."

(Genesis chapter 34 verses 9 to 12)


Hamor in name of his son Shechem  offers Jacob and his sons the opportunity of marrying his daughters amongst other privileges if the marriage between Dinah and his son was to take place. Hamor guaranteed their security in the land of Canaan and even a prosperous future.


The devil works in the same way. He promises us a life that is free of pain, poverty and hardships, however this comes at a price, that is not mentioned by the devil at the time of the arrangement. This is the damnation of our soul in eternal fire in hell. In contrast to the messages of the devil we are to place our trust in God and refer to him when in the process of making important decisions. We are to always pray to God to deliver us from the devil's games and traps so that we may not fall into temptation.


13 The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully, because he had defiled their sister Dinah. 14 They said to them, "We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us.

(Genesis chapter 34 verses 13 to 14)


Jacob's sons wisely answered that even if they wanted to they could never accept Hamor's proposal because of the fact that they had been circumcised to God in their flesh. On reflecting the sons of Jacob considered their promise to God as something that they they could not violate. Satan also offers us many beautiful things or opportunities that in themselves appear to be promising, however somehow there is always a catch in such promises.


However on going back to verses thirteen and fourteen,  it seems that this was only part of a deceitful plan and not an issue of honest concern that had any consideration for their commitment to God. This is proved by the fact that  in Genesis chapter 34, we find written that the sons of Jacob answered Shechem 'deceitfully'. This means that they had a plan in their mind that they were either implementing or had the intention of executing.


15 Only on this condition will we consent to you: that you will become as we are and every male among you be circumcised. 16 Then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people.

(Genesis chapter 34 verses 15 to 16)


After discussing as a family the sons of Jacob as part of their deceitful plan agree with Shechem's proposal to take his daughters in marriage and permit their sister to marry Hamor only on one condition. This was that all of their mail members will be circumcised in their flesh, as an act of faith to God. On reflecting in truth it was not a bad idea even in the Christian life. The condition that the foreign member becomes a Christian is very positive, however this condition can be easily abused in order to full fill personal agendas, such as that of achieving the status of a citizen in that particular land. This is the case of Malta. Cases of foreigners  and or immigrants are persuading Maltese ladies to marry in order to claim citizenship, however after they marry, they impose foreign values of spiritual beliefs that are not in favour of Christianity. Moreover some such women end up denied of their liberty and dignity and spiritual values and beliefs. Moreover they end up treated as property of their husbands who act according to their religions, traditions and customs.


17 But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone."

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 17)


The sons of Jacob make their own criteria in order to settle the issue that suited the plan that they had in mind. Shechem was left with not other option but to obey if he wanted the marriage to take place. Our human nature dictates to us, that if we want something we want it today. This is called instant gratification. We have been wired like that since we were children and it has remained built into our system. Its only with alot of work and prayer that we are free from such mental programming. There are some of us who are ready even to give up their faith in order to get what they want even if this means the abuse and impoverishment of others. As in the case of the sons of Jacob who knew how badly Shechem, wanted Dinah and his son to be married, they manipulated the situation in order to avenge the abuse of their sister Dinah.


18 Their words pleased Hamor and Hamor's son Shechem.

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 18)


Shechem perceived that the conditions proposed by the sons of Jacob could easily be met, therefore he accepted the quick and easy solution.  Shechem was ready to give up his own customs and beliefs in order to fulfil his sons wish. On the one hand we can admire him for sacrificing himself and his will in order to settle the issue, on the other hand we can conclude, that in order to obtain a carnal aim, he sacrificed the spiritual for the material, and this is something that we are to be aware of not doing throughout our daily lives. 


19 And the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he was delighted with Jacob's daughter. Now he was the most honored of all his family.

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 19)



The son of Shechem was happy to meet the conditions in order to settle his carnal wishes. It is written that he loved Dinah, however I find it hard to believe that from a one night stand love could spring so easily. Shechem felt that he was the most honoured person in all his family, however as the saying says all that glitters is not gold, and that appearances are deceptive. When we are offered an opportunity such as a job career or a happy marriage that is forever after as in fairy tales, or a purchase that seems to be too good to be true, we are to consider the related consequences and be to hasty to accept the offer.



20 So Hamor and his son Shechem came to the gate of their city and spoke to the men of their city, saying, 21 "These people are friendly with us; let them live in the land and trade in it, for the land is large enough for them; let us take their daughters in marriage, and let us give them our daughters. 22 Only on this condition will they agree to live among us, to become one people: that every male among us be circumcised as they are circumcised.

(Genesis chapter 34 verses 20 to 22)


Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of the city, the place where important meetings were held. Hamor and Shechem  spoke to all the male member of the city and told them about the offer that Jacob and his family had made with him. However nothing is mentioned about Shechem's marriage to Dinah. This means that Shechem is explaining the details of the contract, without referring to the small print. Shechem referred to the fact that if they became circumcised the people could be one and that they could live together in unity as one people


Influence is something that  has a strong effect on a person or group of people in his or her company. Such a powerful force as in the case of Hamor and Shechem can lead to the change of their own character and even that of their subjects. When entering into a new relationship with others we are to be aware of the degree of influence that person may have us. This works both ways. We are both influenced by the person or group and we also leave our own influence on that person or group. Therefore we are to be very careful when choosing our friends. God is the only friend who will never cheat on us, and who is always trustworthy. As Christians we are also to be a positive influence on others especially non believers in order to set a good example and help them in the formation of their faith.



23 Will not their livestock, their property, and all their animals be ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will live among us." 24 And all who went out of the city gate heeded Hamor and his son Shechem; and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.

(Genesis chapter 34 verses 23 to 24)


Hamor and Shechem continue to try to influence the people, by playing on their greed. They told the people, that if they become one people, their riches would increase because both peoples could have access to each others sources. All they had to do was agree to be circumcised. The devil works in the same way. He says, 'I will make you happy, but you will have to give me your soul and your chances of one day being with God in heaven.


25 On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and came against the city unawares, and killed all the males. 26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went away. 27. And the other sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because their sister had been defiled. 28 They took their flocks and their herds, their donkeys, and whatever was in the city and in the field. 29 All their wealth, all their little ones and their wives, all that was in the houses, they captured and made their prey.

(Genesis chapter 34 verses 25 to 29)




On third day then all the people were in pain after being circumcised the sons of Jacob took this opportunity and killed all the males in the city including and Hamor and his son Shechem for having had abused their sister Dinah. The sons of Jacob and took her out of Shechem's house and went away. The other sons of Jacob came and plundered the city stealing all they had including all their flocks and herds. Their anger and thirst for revenge was so strong that nobody was spared not even the women and children, who when considering the circumstances were totally innocent. In order to spare the life of their sister Dinah the sons of Jacob had committed a great sin. This is the slaughtering of innocent people and the stealing of their goods. 



As I said earlier in our lives sometimes we don’t place our faith in God. When doing so we try to take control of our lives and become gods ourselves.  Instead of being patient and waiting on God, we take the laws into our own hands and permit ourselves to be driven and controlled by our emotions at the detriment of both ourselves and that of others. The sons of Jacob violated the will of God who was against the slaughtering of humans since the very beginning of creation. Moreover the innocent ended up sharing from the same fate of the guilty party meaning Hamor and Shechem. The latter especially Hamor admitted his sons guilt and did his best to try and compensate for the written injustice in the best way he thought he could, thus showing good will and a strong motivation to seek peace amongst the injured party. On reflecting there was no need for the sons of Jacob to kill all the people of the land and steal their goods. When doing so, it is like deciding to sit on the Judgement throne of God (that is His alone) and pass judgement on others and condition their lives, as if someone had given us the right to exercise control over the life of others.




30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You have brought trouble on me by making me odious to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites; my numbers are few, and if they gather themselves against me and attack me, I shall be destroyed, both I and my household."

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 30)


Jacob faced his sons and made them aware of the consequences of their sinful actions. He made his sons aware of the fact, that by killing the people of the land, they did not solve the problem but created a bigger one, especially when considering that when comparing their numbers, with that of all the inhabitants of Canaan their numbers, Jacob's family was a minority.

 
When we may take a rash decision it is later we realise what harm we have done we are then worried that what will be the consequences next that will happen ,as I said rash decision may suit u for time being but it bring more problem to us than good as it happen in case of Jacob family as his son took the matter in their hands and took a rash decision their family now faced a threat of destruction.


31 But they said, "Should our sister be treated like a whore?"

(Genesis chapter 34 verse 31)


Jacob's sons try to justify the act of murder, by implying that if they had not committed the negative act of killing Shechem and his relatives they would have accepted and justified the fact that their sister was abused by Shechem. Therefore according to the sons of Jacob their means (murder) justified the ends (the confirmation that their sister was not a whore and neither was she to be treated as one) We never need to justify ourselves before God because He know us inside out, in the sense of what we have done, what we wished to do, what we had planned to do and even what could have happened had it not been for circumstances beyond our control. When considering that God is totally just and reasonable, God would have done justice with the sons of Jacob, without permitting the shedding of blood and loss of life.

 On reflecting we find ourselves doing the same thing in a polite way. Instead of killing each other with a knife or a shot gun, we kill each other with our words or other behaviour. The most effective game is that of being silent and completely ignoring the other person. This is more valid in the case of husband and wives, who might try to hit back at each other by pretending that each other was invisible and avoid communicating with each other on purpose.  

I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:

                                                                                                     

God thank you for helping and making me realise my mistakes. Thank you for being with me and for making me patient. Sorry if I may have acted rash and even took matters into my hands and did not wait for your answer. Moreover, thank you for being with me every time. I pray that you keep on blessing me and my dear friends Vince and Shirley Micallef and their family. I pray to you oh God that you will help them through their moments of problems and difficulties, as you have helped me.  I would also want to thank you for always being a positive influence on me and bringing out the positive in me.

Thank You God

Genesis Chapter 33

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

33

1 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids.

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 1)

After a long journey full of many trials and tribulations finally comes the most important moment when Esau and Jacob meet after a period of fourteen years. As a safety precaution Jacob divides his family and property into groups, so that if Esau was to destroy one group, he would have the other left. Up to this moment Jacob was reasoning as a human more than a spiritual person, who is following the will of God. As in the case of Esau and Jacob by means of our sins, in a certain sense we also are deceptive with God, by siding with the devil instead of acting in favour of God. However although at times we go against His will He is always there ready to welcome us back home with outstretched arms and a happy smiling face.

2 He put the maids with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all.

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 2)

As already mentioned when Jacob saw Esau coming he did no know what Esau's behaviour would be like, in the sense of his coming in peace or with the intention of revenge. In order to stimulate Esau's mercy Jacob placed his family in the following order: first he placed the maids and their children, who were followed by Leah and her children and then Rachel and her children.

In our decision making process, we usually organise our thoughts and actions according to established criteria or priorities. When deciding on the given order Jacob used the mentioned priority. On reflecting it seems that he still had a place for Rachel in his heart because he did not place her in the front line, but placed her at the back in a position that was close to him as a precaution in order to preserve her life.

On reflecting as humans God is to be our main priority. He is to come even before our family, even though our family truly loves us there is no love that can be compared to the love of God. As humans we are egoistic and self-centred, however God is all generous all the time giving us of himself and his graces. For God we are also the top priority. When we go to work or go abroad God sends us His angels to take care of us. Our guardian angels are full time workers with God because He cares for us. Although we may have a day that is filled to capacity, we are always to give God a priority and make time to spend with him. It is indeed a priority to block out time to be with God either in prayer, communion, or maybe even visiting people in hospital or jail or for instance in homes for the elderly on a weekly basis. God is to be our main priority.

3 He himself went on ahead of them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near his brother.

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 3)

After having had such a strained relationship with his brother Esau, Jacob approached his brother in a spirit of humility and respect as he approached his brother. According to the author of this chapter that is Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar his father tells him that we are never to pray God to give us an easy life but to give us the strength to face our difficulties of life both spiritually and even psychologically. When we experience growth on such levels our attitude to life changes. With God on our side, problems become challenges, and God gives us the necessary means and strength to face them throughout the days of our lives.


Jacob had adopted this positive attitude. On having made an intimate encounter with God that was so strong to have totally changed his life, Jacob became humble and full of praise to God. In turn God gave him the necessary means in order to be able to meet his brother Esau, whom he had greatly feared after their initial encounter at home. Now that God was with Jacob he felt more confident to meet his brother. Therefore when we find it hard to meet somebody that has either hurt us in the past we are to place our full hope, faith and trust in God and face the moment of encounter, that will be arranged by God at the perfect time and place. This may take some time because God's timing is different from ours. I am still waiting for the time of encounter with my own earthly father. I pray to God that when the time comes, I will be strong in faith, loving and caring enough to face the situation, instead of turning on my own worldly and sinful resources and run away from the situation.


4 But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 4)


After seeing Jacob Esau ran and greeted him warmly as his brother. I can just imagine Jacob's heartbeat increasing on seeing Esau, and the relief he felt when seeing Esau's changed reaction to him. This had been totally unexpected. Jacob had been afraid of what was going to happen to him if Jacob ever was to met his brother. Many times our fears and thoughts hold us back from changing in both our human interactions with others and even in our relationship with God. In our heads we have many 'but'; 'if' and maybe even 'why' questions or assumptions that hinder us from facing the great and important moment of change. In God's language this is facing the great leap of faith. In such situations we are to stop and pray God to strengthen during such challenging moments, when our human weakness may get the better of us, if we do not place our complete trust in God.


5 When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he said, "Who are these with you?" Jacob said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 5)

Due to the fact that Esau had not seen Jacob for about fourteen years, he did not recognise the people who accompanied Jacob. On reflecting we can also ask ourselves the same question. who are we? Do I know the real me or am I living in the shadow of somebody else? Am I living as myself or as my idol? Am I the same person as the one who I am in the presence of my friends and maybe my family or am I a different person? Is my social self the same as my personal self or am I  a different person? Am I the type who trusts in God or do I act according to my own agenda?


6 Then the maids drew near, they and their children, and bowed down 7 Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down; and finally Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down.

(Genesis chapter 33 verses 6 to 7)


After Jacob's introductory meeting with Esau Jacob's maids wife and children came before Esau. They bowed to him as a sign of respect, and as a way of thanking him for his warm welcome. Just as Jacob and  his family respected and thanked Esau for his warm welcoming we also should be thankful and respectful to God, for his interventions in our lives. God's presence in our life is one of the gifts that money cannot buy. The role he plays in our lives is a very important one indeed and nobody can ever categorically deny that it exists.

8 Esau said, "What do you mean by all this company that I met?" Jacob answered, "To find favor with my lord." 9 But Esau said, "I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself."

(Genesis chapter 33 verses 8 to 9)


Esau then asks Jacob  about the droves accompanying the herds as gifts to Esau. Jacob replies that the gift was a blessing of God's providence that Jacob wish to offer to Esau as gifts. Again Esau refuses to accept the gift even if it was the fruit of God's providence. Esau refused due to the fact that he already had enough property of his own and he did not need any more. 


In contrast to Esau, Jacob appreciated, the value of his family and of God's providence that consisted of family, flocks and servants. On reflecting Esau considered what he had simply as being of his produce and not as a blessing of God. This is the major difference between the carnal person of the world, to the spiritual person of God who is also living in the world. The values and the attitude is totally different. According to the author of this chapter Mr. Pewar, with whom I totally agree no matter how big or small is the gift and blessing, that we receive from God, we are to be thankful and not always have a consumerist  attitude and desire for more, because out of the smallest things gift or blessing that God gives, can be the opportunity of of something good.



10 Jacob said, "No, please; if I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand; for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God - since you have received me with such favor.

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 10)


Jacob offers Esau gifts and forces him to accept it in order to obtain his forgiveness. Seeing him again in an attitude of reconciliation was as beautiful as reconciling back with God. The difference with God as that God is always giving. Moreover as sinners we can never give or offer God as much as He gives and or offers us.


11 Please accept my gift that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have everything I want." So he urged him, and he took it.

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 11)


Jacob insisted so much that Esau should accept his gift that Esau was compelled to accept it. Jacob's attitude went against the logic of human nature that is avaricious meaning always wanting for itself, but never giving to others. There are some who are of the opinion that the more one has the happier one is or may become. However this is not true, because there are people who although they have all they want, they are still not happy. God is our greatest treasure, riches and or investment. Who has God indeed has everything and will be lacking in nothing, because all goodness flows from the heart of God, therefore it holds that whoever has God in his heart has all one needs.
      


12 Then Esau said, "Let us journey on our way, and I will go alongside you."

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 12)


Esau then asks Jacob that they both travel together on their way home. Maybe Esau wanted to spend time together with his brother, since it have been a long time since the two brothers had met. In the New Testament Jesus orders us that if a person asks us to walk a mile together we are to walk two. When we obey the will of God our ways reflect the Holy ways of God and we become more like Him. As in the case of Jacob and Esau God also would like to walk along with us along the path of our life. Walking along side is a sign of friendship, which is different to when one is asked to follow. In such case one is showing superiority over the other, however in the case of friends they walk side by side. However, in our walk with God there are moments when God simply has to walk before us, because in our moments of darkness He is our search light that shows us the way amidst the darkness.


13  But Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds, which are nursing, are a care to me; and if they are over driven for one day, all the flocks will die.

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 13)

Jacob then replies to Esau, that his flocks and children are young and frail and cannot be over driven to keep up with Esau's pace because if Jacob did so the consequences would be negative. Young children or animals are not expected to work or keep up with their elders. In our spiritual lives it is the same story. While we are still in the very beginning of our spiritual journey or relationship with God, we have to take it easy and not expect great things from ourselves. There are some of us, who in the beginning of their spiritual journey do alot of sacrifices or excessive acts of mutilation, such as wanting or actually harming themselves as an offering to God, when God never asked them to do such acts. The aim of that person may be that of quickly reaching a high degree of holiness when this is not the case.


14 Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, according to the pace of the cattle that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir."

(Genesis chapter 33 verse 14)


As previously mentioned Jacob considered the consequences of his actions and humbly stuck to his own pace. It is very important to know our abilities and limitations in life and act accordingly. Moreover it is better to follow God than to trust in our fellow persons. He is aware of our destination and knows the perfect way that will lead us there.


15 So Esau said, "Let me leave with you some of the people who are with me." But he said, "Why should my lord be so kind to me?" 16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir.

(Genesis chapter 33 verses 15 to 16)


Esau requested to at least leave some of his people to protect and or take care of Jacob and his family, however Jacob refuses Esau's offer and even questions his brothers intentions. It could be that Jacob had other plans in mind, and did not plan to spend more time than necessary with his brother Esau. There is a saying that says familiarity breeds contempt. Moreover when we meet somebody with whom we have previously had a strained relationship we need time in order to feel confident to interact with that person. Fear could be still in our hearts. What if the person changes back to his old self and turns against me again? In Jacob's case the consequences would be very negative if this was to happen. 


17 But Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built himself a house, and made booths for his cattle; therefore the place is called Succoth. 18 Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram; and he camped before the city.

(Genesis chapter 33 verses 17 to 18)


After Esau's departure Jacob journeyed to Succoth which is a different location from that of Seir. He built himself a house and quarters for his flocks and herds to live in.  However it seemed that Jacob wanted to have his personal space from his brother Esau and decided to go further away from him and settled in the land of Shechem. It could be that Jacob was not yet ready to fraternise with his brother especially on being aware of how easily his mood can change. Instead of rushing into a new relationship Jacob decided to  take his time and if it actually was according to the will of God, it would come to be.



We all should never rush into relationships or never make hasty decisions, because when doing so we could make serious mistakes, that we would regret forever. Like God  we are to be patient loving and caring. Patience is a virtue worth practising it helps us in gaining self-control and in avoiding many quick decisions. In order not to rush things it is always best to consider the Will of God before reaching the final conclusion.  


19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, he bought for one hundred pieces of money the plot of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.

(Genesis chapter 33 verses 19 to 20)


By means of Jacob or Israel God was unfolding His plan that involved the conquest of the land of Canaan for his chosen people. By means of Abraham God claimed the field of Machpelah were eventually Abraham and Sarah were buried. God works at a steady pace, surely but steady and does not rush when making His plans. Now many years after by means of Israel or Jacob God claimed another piece of the land of Canaan for the price of one hundred pieces of money. On having purchased the land from the son's of Hamor who was if I remember well related to Abraham, Jacob erected an altar in thanksgiving to God which he called El-Elohe-Israel and dedicated it God. On reflecting as children of God  we are to dedicate our selves to God and make time to thank him and pay our tribute Him and most of all place our trust in Him.

I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer,

                                                                                

      God you are kind and generous and we all know this, for a long time, I have defied you by acting like the devil by going your against your will, but in spite of this you are always there to greet, me and always be the one to lend a hand  in my difficulties, no matter how much I may oppose you or go against your will. Sorry for this, but inspite of this you, are always there to make me feel as if I am back home. Thank you for giving me the strength and courage to accept and face  challenges and for guiding me and showing me the path to strengthen the bond between us. Thank you very much for testing me and for turning my weaknesses into strengths and mostly for playing many important part in my life, for whatever part you may have played I know that it always has some good reason. 

Thank you God

(Deevain Ajit Pawar)