But then he fell in love with her, and he tried to win her affection with tender words.
So many a time love can be given but misunderstood for control one may fall in love with one and try to win affection by using loving tender words but we mistakenly think it’s to harm us when we find out the truth we begin to think negatively like genesis 32:10
I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant.
We gods children are always shown love and always forgiven for our wrongs love can be mistaken for control or harm but it is love we are shown
What does Genesis 34:3 mean?
Prior verses indicated in relatively graphic terms that Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah, was forcibly raped by Shechem, son of a local prince (Genesis 34:1–2). The terms used were crystal clear: there was no seduction or convincing involved. What happened was every bit an act of violation and brutality.
Now an already-tragic story takes an unexpected turn. One would expect such savagery to be inspired by hate, or indifferent lust. Instead, Shechem is said to have fallen in love with Dinah! Whether he loved her before, and simply would not take “no” for an answer, or became fond of her after his assault, Scripture is not entirely clear. What we are told is that “his soul was drawn to her.” Bizarrely, what Shechem feels now is sincere love for Dinah; his “soul is drawn to” her.
Immediately after treating her with depraved violence, Shechem speaks tenderly to Dinah. Neither this statement, nor the events which happen later, are posed in order to justify Shechem’s action in any way. Rape is abhorrent in every time and place. The as-yet-future law of Moses will sentence rapists to either death or a life sentence of financial support (Deuteronomy 22:25–29). The fact that Shechem suddenly loves Dinah does nothing to make the situation more honorable. He is still a man driven beyond self-control by his own desires, even if that desire is now to marry the woman he humiliated.
The following verses will further show that Shechem is a man who feels entitled to get what he wants, no matter what. He expects his powerful father to deliver it to him.
Context Summary
Genesis 34:1–12 describes a depraved attack on one of Jacob’s children. Dinah, his daughter through Leah, is raped by Shechem, son of the local prince. Jacob waits until his sons return to let them know about this act. With apparently no remorse, the rapist and his father arrive to ask for Dinah to be married to her attacker. Shechem proclaims his love, offering any price to have Dinah as his wife. Dinah’s brothers respond with a combination of deceit and violence that will echo through the rest of Israel’s history.
Chapter Summary
Jacob’s family has settled within sight of the city of Shechem. Dinah, Jacob’s daughter by Leah, is raped by the son of the city’s ruler Hamor, also named Shechem. Shechem decides he loves Dinah and wants to marry her. Dinah’s brothers are outraged. Hamor and Shechem, however, ask for Dinah to be given to Shechem as a wife and for their people to intermarry. Jacob’s brothers pretend to agree, provided the men of the city are circumcised. Instead, while the town’s men are recuperating, Dinah’s brothers by Leah, Levi and Simeon, lead a slaughter of all the men of the city.
What does Genesis 32:10 mean?
Jacob continues his desperate prayer to God out of his fear that Esau’s approaching party of 400 men is set to kill him. In the previous verse, he referred to the Lord as the one who told him to come here within reach of Esau, the one who promised to do good to him.
Now Jacob expresses his deep humility and gratitude before God. He is not demanding anything. In fact, he describes himself as unworthy of even the smallest things God has done out of His love for and faithfulness to Jacob. Jacob recognizes he would have no possessions to lose now if it weren’t for God. Leaving his homeland, he owned nothing but his staff. And, he fled as a direct result of his own manipulations and schemes (Genesis 27:30–35; 27:41–45). Now he possesses enough property, servants, and livestock to fill two large camps.
Before asking for God’s help, Jacob gives thanks for the enormous good God has already done for him. That’s a good pattern for us to follow, as well.
Context Summary
Genesis 32:1–21 describes Jacob’s preparations to meet his brother Esau, who is coming his way with 400 men. This will be the first time Jacob and Esau have spoken since Jacob fled Esau’s rage as described in Genesis 27. Jacob is terrified this approaching force is coming to kill him. He divides his company into two camps. He prays in humility and faith to God for deliverance. He prepares a large gift of 550 animals to be strategically delivered to Esau to appease his presumed anger.
Chapter Summary
As Jacob turns from Laban and returns to his own country, he must face another fearful potential conflict. His twin brother Esau is coming with 400 men. Jacob fears this group approaches to take revenge for cheating Esau out of the family blessing 20 years earlier. Jacob is so afraid that he splits his company into two camps, even as he prays for deliverance. He also prepares an enormous gift to appease Esau. Finally, while alone in the dark, Jacob is unexpectedly forced to wrestle a mysterious man, who turns out to be God Himself in some manifested form. In a profound moment of symbolism, God forces Jacob to state his own name, which God then changes to Israel.
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