Genesis 34
Shechem’s father Hamor went to Jacob to talk with him (Genesis 34: 6). Now when Jacob’s sons heard of it they came in from the field; they were deeply grieved, and they were very angry, for Shechem had done a disgraceful thing to [a]Israel by _________ ______ ______ _______, for such a thing is not to be done (Genesis 34:7).
Shechem’s father Hamor went to Jacob to talk with him (Genesis 34: 6). Now when Jacob’s sons heard of it they came in from the field; they were deeply grieved, and they were very angry, for Shechem had done a disgraceful thing to [a]Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing is not to be done (Genesis 34:7).
In Genesis 35:1, God commanded Jacob to return to ________________.
Then God said to Jacob, “Go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you [in a distinct manifestation] when you fled [years ago] from Esau your brother” (Genesis 35:1). Jacob was commanded by God to return to Bethel. This was the place where God manifested or appeared to Jacob when he was running away from his brother Esau. According to Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, God now directed Jacob to a safer place and put fear in the hearts of other cities so they would not follow him.
We learned from previous lessons that Jacob did not fully obey God by going to the city of Shechem. He was supposed to initially travel to Bethel. According to Theologians, God told Jacob to go back to Bethel and resume a life of worship there.
In Genesis 35:21-29 we read, “Then Israel (Jacob) journeyed on and pitched his tent on the other side of the tower of Eder [the lookout point used by shepherds]. (Genesis 35:20-21) While Israel was living in that land, Reuben [his eldest son] went and ____ _____ _____ his father’s [g]concubine, and Israel heard about it. (Genesis 35:22)
In Genesis 35:21-29 we read, “Then Israel (Jacob) journeyed on and pitched his tent on the other side of the tower of Eder [the lookout point used by shepherds]. (Genesis 35:20-21) While Israel was living in that land, Reuben [his eldest son] went and lay with Bilhah his father’s [g]concubine, and Israel heard about it. (Genesis 35:22)
In our lesson "Relationships Matter", we learned thatGod has given us a gift. This gift He has given us is ________ _______. A relationship with _______ _______ matters. We need to be reminded of this precious gift that God has given us. Just as Shechem was willing to give a dowry( a gift) to Jacob for his daughter Dinah.
In our lesson "Relationships Matter", we learned thatGod has given us a gift. This gift He has given us is Jesus Christ. A relationship with Jesus Christ matters. We need to be reminded of this precious gift that God has given us. Just as Shechem was willing to give a dowry( a gift) to Jacob for his daughter Dinah. God gave his only begotten son, Jesus Christ as our gift. Yes, we already know this. Yes. We have heard this over and over again. But we need to be reminded of this gift, Jesus Christ. A relationship with Jesus Christ matters.
Our lesson, "There & Here: God Almighty, El Shaddai" revealed El-Shaddai. Who is God Almighty, El-Shaddai?
1. Satisfier
2. All-Bountiful
3. the Breasted One
4. Strong-Nourisher
5. Strong-Giver
In Genesis 35:12, God Almighty, El-Shaddai is still here. Scripture states “And God said to him, “I am [c]God Almighty Be fruitful and multiply;” God Almighty, El-Shaddai. He was “there” and he remains “here” with us today. Who is God Almighty, El-Shaddai? According to Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, El Shaddai, Almighty God is found 218 times. El signifies strong one and Shaddai, the Breasted One. This pictures God as the Strong-Nourisher, Strength-Giver, Satisfier, and All-Bountiful, the Supplier of the needs of His people. Nourisher refers to maintain, to support, to nurture (ref. Merriam Webster Dictionary). When we need support or nurtured, we can call on God Almighty El Shaddai. A Giver is the one who gives (ref. Merriam Webster Dictionary). God Almighty El Shaddai will give us what we need. Satisfier is the one who satisfies (ref. Merriam Webster Dictionary). He will satisfy our wants, needs, and our hearts desires, this is what God Almighty El Shaddai does. All-Bountiful refers to liberal or generous in bestowing gifts or favors; or provide abundantly. God Almighty El Shaddai will give us favor and provide for us abundantly to the point we can share our abundance with others.
Shechem wanted to marry Dinah, although he had violated her. Who went to Jacob, Dinah's father, to request permission for Dinah to marry?
Hamor, the father of Shechem
In Genesis 35:2-3, Jacob requested for his household to get rid of their idols and images. Why did Jacob make this request?
Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the [idols and images of] foreign gods that are among you, and ceremonially purify yourselves and change [into fresh] clothes; then let us get up and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone” (Genesis 35:2-3). So they gave Jacob all the [idols and images of the] foreign gods they had and the rings which were in their ears [worn as charms against evil], and Jacob buried them under the [a]oak tree near Shechem (Genesis 35:4). Jacob saw these things as idols and images. Furthermore, Jacob had his people to get rid of their gods for the purpose of purification, so they can become right with God. Jacob had to do the same, get right with God. His obedience also led his household to follow his path to get right with God.
Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible indicated that these “items” were connected with idolatry used as amulets and charms to ward off evil. As a believer, we don’t need to use images and idols to come against evil, we use the Word of God and the name of Jesus.
The eldest son of Israel, Reuben, hopefully, within his life span learned from his mistake of sleeping with his father concubine, Bilhah or does he continue to repeat the sinful act? The Bible does not mention Reuben continuing this act. However, we read in I Chronicles 5:1, that Reuben lost his ____________.
The eldest son of Israel, Reuben, hopefully, within his life span he learned from his mistake of sleeping with his father concubine, Bilhah or does he continue to repeat the sinful act? The Bible does not mention Reuben continuing this act. However, in 1 Chronicles 5:1, it states “Now [we come to] the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—for Reuben was the eldest, but because he defiled his father’s bed [with Bilhah his father’s [a]concubine], his birthright was given to [Manasseh and Ephraim] the sons of Joseph [the favorite] son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright.” Reuben lost his birthright due to his sinful act. However, we know, the God that we serve forgave Reuben.
In our lesson on "Relationships Matters", Jesus is a precious gift from God. Jesus has been given numerous titles. Titles applied to His name are related to his person and ministry. Which title(s) does not apply to Him?
1. the Anointed One
2. Messiah
3. Savior
4. Prince
5.Admiral of the Fleet
6. Pharaoh
Admiral of the Feet and Pharaoh
Lesson: "Knowing God as El-Shaddai"
El-Shaddai God Almighty has promised us prosperity. Prosperity is the condition of being successful or thriving (ref. Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Prosperity for the believer should be different in comparison to the prosperity of a non-believer. What does this mean?
El-Shaddai God Almighty has promised us prosperity. Prosperity is the condition of being successful or thriving (ref. Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Prosperity for the believer should be different in comparison to the prosperity of a non-believer. What does this mean? When God prospers the believers, it is for his purpose and for the Kingdom of God. Believers should use their prosperous life to bless others and to move or excel the Kingdom of God. Example, one of Mount Olive’s visions is to establish the Mount Olive Family Life Community and Conference Center. The establishment of this center will empower, support, build the community through the lens of God’s vision for the community. Non-believers tend to use their prosperity for non-essential items that do not support the Kingdom of God. El-Shaddai God Almighty has promised us prosperity.
The marriage of ________ and _______. It would matter to the destiny of the _________ ________. It would matter to the future marriages between Jacob’s family and the people of Canaan, in other words, it would begin future marriages between the families, which would impact the covenant families destiny.
The marriage of Shechem and Dinah. It would matter to the destiny of the Redemptive Plan. It would matter to the future marriages between Jacob’s family and the people of Canaan, in other words, it would begin future marriages between the families, which would impact the covenant families destiny.
God changed Jacob's name to Israel. The name Israel signifies two words: ______ (meaning fight, struggle, or rule) and ______ (meaning, God).
In Genesis 35: 9-15, we read “Then God [in a visible manifestation] appeared to Jacob again when he came out of Paddan-aram, and declared a blessing on him. (verse 9) Again God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob, But Israel shall be your name.” So he was called [b]Israel. God confirmed the change of his name. It was done before by the angel that wrestled with him (Genesis 32:28), and here it was ratified by the divine Majesty, or Shechinah, that appeared to him. There it was to encourage Jacob against the fear of Esau, here against the fear of the Canaanites. (Matthew Henry Commentary). Jacob’s name was initially changed in Genesis 32:28, which states, “And He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but [a]Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” The name Israel signifies two words: sarah (meaning fight, struggle, or rule) and EL (meaning, God). According to theologians, some take the name Israel to mean, He who struggles with God or He who rules with God. The changing of Jacob’s name was important and significant to God. He was known as Jacob to his family (there) and (here), He is known as Israel.
In Genesis 36:1-43, we read “Now these are the records of the descendants of Esau, (that is, Edom) (Genesis 36:1). Esau took his ______ wives from the daughters of ______: Adah the daughter of Elon the ______, and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the son of Zibeon the _______, and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.
In Genesis 36:1-43, we read “Now these are the records of the descendants of Esau, (that is, Edom) (Genesis 36:1). Esau took his [three] wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the son of Zibeon the Hivite, and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.
In our lesson, "Is it Worth Compromising?", we learned that Hamor and Shechem had a deceitful plan. What was the deceitful plan?
Deceitful Dealings. Hamor and Shechem had a deceitful plan, which was to attempt to acquire Jacob’s riches through the marriage of Dinah.
From our lesson, "Seasons within our lifespan".
The Seasons within our life span. We all have experienced these seasons within our lifespan between our early 20s to now. Data has shown that the life expectancy of an African American woman is about 75.8 years, for white females it is 80.5 years. God only knows the day, hour, minute, and second when it is time for our life span to end. If you based it on the data, 75.8 years for an African American woman does not give many of us that much time. This means, Ladies, we ought to make the best of our time with our families, friends, colleagues, etc. Use your time wisely to make an impact on your community and family. Remember, those that are in their 50s tend to think about their legacy. What legacy do you want to leave with your family and community?
Your response
Now when Jacob’s sons heard of it they came in from the field; they were deeply grieved, and they were very angry, for Shechem had done a disgraceful thing to [a]Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing is not to be done (Genesis 34:7). The sons that the Bible is referring to were ________ and ________.
Now when Jacob’s sons heard of it they came in from the field; they were deeply grieved, and they were very angry, for Shechem had done a disgraceful thing to [a]Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing is not to be done (Genesis 34:7). The sons that the Bible is referring to were Simeon and Levi.
In Genesis 35:16-22, Rachel began to give ______ and had _______ and _______ severely.
In Genesis 35:16-22 it states, “Then they journeyed from Bethel; and when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath (Bethlehem), Rachel began to give birth and had difficulty and suffered severely.” When she was in hard labor the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid; you now have another son.” According to Dakes Annotated Reference Bible, caesarean operation was unknown then. Also, in reference to the midwife, this is the first occurrence of a midwife (scripture references Genesis 38:28; Exodus 1:15-21). And as her soul was departing, (for she died), she named him Ben-oni (son of my sorrow); but his father called him Benjamin (son of the right hand) (Genesis 35:17-18). So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem) (Genesis 35:19).
Esau lived in the hill country of Seir. Seir is another name for _______ ( meaning ________).
So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom (scripture ref. Genesis 36:6-8). Esau settled in the hill country of Seir (scripture ref. Genesis 36:8). Seir is another name for Edom (meaning red) (scripture ref. Genesis 25:30). The color red is associated with Esau because when he was born, he was red all over according to Genesis 25:25. Also, Esau sold red pottage to Jacob for his birthright. (scripture ref. Genesis 25:20).
In our lesson, "Is it Worth Compromising?", we read and watched a video on Queen Vashti. What was the conflict from the story? Was it worth it for Queen Vashti to compromise?
In reference to Queen Vashti, Was it worth it for her to compromise? You see, the King wanted her to show off her beauty and possibly only wear her crown and nothing else. Queen Vashti most likely believed that she was worthy and to the point that she did not have to honor the King’s request by disrespecting herself. As a woman of God, know this, we don’t have to compromise for anything. God has made a promise to bless us abundantly. So don’t ever think that you need to make accommodations, negotiations, give-and-take, or to concede to something that God would not have you to do. Believe and trust God for everything. When you need to make a decision, ask God. He will give you the answer. Whatever you are in need of or have your hearts desire, if it is In God’s word. You can have it. It is not worth compromising if it means you have to disgrace or disrespect yourself.
The Edomites are the descendants of Esau (that is, Edom). Their lineage consisted of Chiefs or Dukes and Kings. From what we have read and learned thus far, in your opinion, what type of people were the Edomites?
strong and firm people
In Genesis 34:13, we read that Jacob’s sons answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, because Shechem had defiled and disgraced their sister Dinah.
According to Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, the sons of Jacob never did intend to give their sister to Shechem. This was Satan’s first attempt to defile a virgin in Israel. It was a threat to God’s plan-that His son should come through one of Israel’s virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25). They said to them, “We cannot do this thing and give our sister [in marriage] to one who is not ____________, because that would be a disgrace to us.
In Genesis 34:13, we read that Jacob’s sons answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, because Shechem had defiled and disgraced their sister Dinah. According to Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible, the sons of Jacob never did intend to give their sister to Shechem. This was Satan’s first attempt to defile a virgin in Israel. It was a threat to God’s plan-that His son should come through one of Israel’s virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25). They said to them, “We cannot do this thing and give our sister [in marriage] to one who is not circumcised, because that would be a disgrace to us.
The key scripture, Genesis 35:17 states, “When she was in hard labor the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid; you now have another son.” This particular midwife ministered to Rachel. How would you say that she ministered to Rachel?
The key scripture, Genesis 35:17 states, “When she was in hard labor the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid; you now have another son.” This particular midwife ministered to Rachel. How would you say that she ministered to Rachel? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, one of the definitions of minister means to give aid or service. This midwife did not have a title as a “minister” or was a part of the clergy. But she used her skills to minister, to give aid or service to Rachel. When a midwife meets the mother-to-be for the first time, she must gain the mother-to-be’s trust in her. The trust must come first so that the remainder of the process will be smooth. Rachel was in hard labor and she trusted the midwife to see her through. The midwife convinced Rachel not to be afraid. She said to Rachel “Do not be afraid”.
Genesis 36:9-43 provides the descendants of Esau, the father of the _______. Amongst the descendants of Esau were _____ or ______ and _____.
Genesis 36:9-43 provides the descendants of Esau, the father of the Edomites. Amongst the descendants of Esau were Chiefs or Dukes and Kings. A Duke or Chief is an individual that is the head of a tribe or clan. Esau’s sons and grandsons as indicated in Genesis 36:15-19 were chiefs or dukes. According to Matthew Henry commentary, “probably they were military commanders, dukes, or captains, that had soldiers under them; for Esau and his family lived by the sword (scripture ref. Genesis 27:40). What does this mean that Esau and his family lived by the sword? As stated in Genesis 27:40,”By your sword you shall live”. These words came from his father, Isaac. Isaac had given a limited blessing to Esau.
From our lesson "Spring Cleaning", we should view "spring cleaning" from a spiritual standpoint, this is what God wants us to do daily. Spring clean ourselves. Check ourselves, which includes our ________, ________, and ________.
Spring Clean ourselves. Check ourselves- our spirit, soul, and body. Examine ourselves.
Jacob was implying to his people that it is time to clean house, so that they can resume a life of worship. We need to continuously clean or examine ourselves, not just before spring, but throughout the year so we can be right with God. Are there any idols or images that we need to get rid of ourselves?
Provide an encouraging scripture
Your response