Genesis 34:1-5 And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bore to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.… It is a startling announcement; but it contains nothing more than might have been expected. Poor girl, a moth fluttering about a flame! A foolish fish nibbling at the bait! Was she lonely, being the only girl? Did she want to show off some piece of jewellery or dress? Did she long for more admiration, or fascinating society, than she could find at home? Was there a secret drawing to the young men of the place? She went along a path that seemed to her girlish fancy ever so much more attractive than the dull routine of home. She took no heed of the warnings that may have been addressed to her. And it all ended — as it has ended in thousands of cases since — in misery, ruin, and unutterable disgrace. She was kindly received. The world will always give a hearty welcome to those who bear a Christian name. Perhaps there is a sense of relief in feeling that it cannot be so bad after all, since Christians do not hesitate to take part with it. The welcome and "well-done" of worldly men should always put us on our guard. "What evil thing have I done," said s shrewd observer, "that yonder worldling speaks so well of me?" She fascinated the young prince, and fell. It is the old, old story, which is ever new. On the one hand-rank, and wealth, and unbridled appetite; on the other — beauty, weakness, and dallying with temptation. But to whom was her fall due? To Shechem? Yes. To herself? Yes. But also to Jacob. He must for ever reproach himself for his daughter's murdered innocence. But of what use were his reproaches, when the deed was done; and the honour of his house was gone; and his name stank among the inhabitants of the land?. Would that some Christian parents, reading these words, might take warning as to the end of a pathway:on which they are encouraging their children to tread! To stay now may save them tears of blood, and years of fruitless agony. (F. B. Meyer, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.WEB: Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. |
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