But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go." Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 34:17? 2. How does Genesis 34:17 illustrate the importance of keeping one's promises to God? 3. What consequences arise from not adhering to agreements in Genesis 34:17? 4. How does Genesis 34:17 connect to the theme of covenant faithfulness in Scripture? 5. In what ways can we apply the lesson of Genesis 34:17 today? 6. How does Genesis 34:17 demonstrate the importance of integrity in our commitments? 7. Why did the sons of Jacob demand circumcision in Genesis 34:17? 8. How does Genesis 34:17 reflect on the morality of Jacob's sons? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 34? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34? 11. Colossians 2:11-12 teaches a spiritual circumcision; does this contradict the everlasting covenant of physical circumcision in Genesis 17? 12. Why would an all-powerful God require the physical sign of circumcision, and does this practice have non-biblical parallels (Genesis 17:10)? 13. Is circumcision necessary? (Genesis 17:10 vs. Galatians 5:6) 14. What is the Dispensation of Promise? Discussion Questions 1. How does the demand for circumcision in Genesis 34:17 reflect the importance of maintaining a distinct covenantal identity, and how can Christians apply this principle today?2. In what ways does the account of Genesis 34 warn against the dangers of compromise with the world, and how can believers guard against such compromises in their own lives? 3. Considering the actions of Simeon and Levi, how should Christians balance the pursuit of justice with the call to love and forgiveness? 4. What responsibilities do families and communities have in protecting their members, and how can the church fulfill this role in contemporary society? 5. How does the use of deception in this passage challenge us to consider the ethical implications of our actions, and what biblical principles can guide us in pursuing truth and integrity?1. How does Shechem's action towards Dinah highlight the issue of power abuse? 2. Why does Jacob remain silent upon hearing about Dinah's violation, and what does this imply about his leadership as a father? 3. How do Jacob's sons respond to the news of their sister's defilement, and what does this say about their sense of honor and justice? 4. What does Hamor's proposal of intermarriage suggest about his understanding of the situation and his intent? 5. How do Jacob's sons use the sacred rite of circumcision as a weapon of deception, and what does this indicate about their regard for the covenant sign? 6. Why does Shechem agree to the circumcision condition, and what does this reveal about his feelings for Dinah? 7. What does the violent response of Simeon and Levi reveal about their perspective on justice and revenge? 8. Why do the other sons of Jacob join in the plunder of the city? 9. How does Jacob react to his sons' actions, and what does this tell us about his fear and concern for his family's safety? 10. How does the final exchange between Jacob and his sons reflect their divergent views on justice and honor? 11. How can we relate the events of this chapter to the present-day issues of sexual abuse and consent? 12. How does this passage challenge us to address our own anger and desire for retribution? 13. What does this story teach about the danger of deceit, even when used to achieve a seemingly justified end? 14. How should we as Christians react to injustice, according to this chapter and the broader biblical message? 15. How can we practice empathy and understanding when confronted with varying perspectives within our family or community, as Jacob and his sons did? 16. How might this story have turned out differently if Jacob and his sons had sought God's guidance in addressing the situation? 17. What lessons can we learn from Shechem's impulsiveness and lack of respect for Dinah's dignity? 18. How does the aftermath of Simeon and Levi's revenge serve as a warning about the long-term consequences of our actions? 19. How does this chapter shed light on the societal norms of that time, particularly regarding women's rights and the value of human life? 20. How can we, as modern-day Christians, balance the pursuit of justice with the call to love and forgiveness? Links Genesis 34:17 NIVGenesis 34:17 NLT Genesis 34:17 ESV Genesis 34:17 NASB Genesis 34:17 KJV Genesis 34:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |



