Genesis 34:18-24 – Agreement
Hamor, the ruler of Shechem, has proposed to the Israelites that they intermarry and become as one tribe. Jacob’s sons have answered deceitfully that they will agree to this on one condition – the Shechemites must be circumcised. Hamor and Shechem agree to this, thinking it is nothing more than a cultural and religious tradition – something essentially meaningless, that will make these men happy and get the Shechemites what they want. Many who know very little about Christianity are happy enough to go along to church, thinking that the worship service they are part of means very little other than a cultural tradition.
Hamor and Shechem get the agreement of the men of the city who are willing to do this thing when they see the advantages in it for them. It is bad enough to be married for the sake of gaining more wealth, but it is even worse to be circumcised for the purpose of getting richer. Many pretend to be interested or involved in Christianity just for what they can get out of it, whether a good reputation, lots of friends, or just a good feeling. We can be sure that God who knows the hearts of men is not pleased with those who pretend to love Him, but really they love only themselves.
Questions
- What did the Shechemites want?
- What did the Israelites require?
- Did the Shechemites agree and why?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would be honest and not pretend to love God.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.