Genesis 34:30
Afterward Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have ruined me! You’ve made me stink among all the people of this land—among all the Canaanites and Perizzites. We are so few that they will join forces and crush us. I will be ruined, and my entire household will be wiped out!”
Life Lesson
Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins after a local prince named Shechem (son of Hamor) rapes Dinah (daughter of Leah). It begins also after Dinah’s brother’s, Simeon and Levi, take revenge.
In meditating over today’s passage the thought which comes to mind is “tit for tat” may be applicable in certain situations however it is not when seeking justice through revenge. Romans 12:19 warns against and affirms this by saying, “…never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” And it was because of violent behavior and for seeking revenge their father Jacob says this in Genesis 49:5-7, ““Simeon and Levi are two of a kind; their weapons are instruments of violence. May I never join in their meetings; may I never be a party to their plans. For in their anger they murdered men, and they crippled oxen just for sport. A curse on their anger, for it is fierce; a curse on their wrath, for it is cruel. I will scatter them among the descendants of Jacob; I will disperse them throughout Israel.”
Hence, my take away today is summarized succinctly well in Proverbs 24:29 which says, “Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.”” In other words, when it comes to “tit for tat“ as it relates to revenge we need to leave it to God. And by placing it in his hands, spare ourselves from the consequence(s) of sin.
good message Wes : )
Thank you Ken!