Jacob learns of what happened but waits for his sons to return from the fields before responding. Hamor comes to speak with Jacob and his sons, offering marriage and proposing broader unity between their peoples. Shechem offers to pay any bride price or gift they demand to marry Dinah.

(It reads in Genesis 34: 5–12 Easy)

Jacob heard that Shechem had had sex with his daughter. At that time, Jacob’s sons were taking care of his animals in the fields. So he did not do anything until his sons came home. Shechem’s father, Hamor, went to talk to Jacob about Dinah.  Jacob’s sons now heard what had happened and they came home from the fields. They were very angry because Shechem had done such a bad thing. When he caught Dinah and had sex with her, he had brought shame on Jacob’s family. It was a bad thing that nobody should ever do. Hamor said to Jacob and his sons, ‘My son Shechem loves your daughter. Please give her to him so that she can be his wife. There should be more marriages between your people and our people. Our men should marry your daughters, and our daughters should become wives for your men. Then you can live among us. You can live anywhere you want to in this land. You should live here, buy and sell things. Buy land and houses here.’Then Shechem said to Dinah’s father and brothers, ‘I would like to make you happy.  So ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you. I will pay you the gifts that you ask for Dinah. It can be as much as you like. I will pay it all, because I want to have Dinah as my wife.’

Father God You are Gracious and a Just God, reflecting on this passage, we see pain, anger, and complexity of human relationships. Father, as we bring before You the moments when we feel powerless or burdened by difficult decisions. Guide us with Your wisdom, that we may respond to challenges with both justice and mercy. Teach us to listen with understanding and compassion, especially in times of conflict or hurt. Let us seek to honor You in all that we do, and may Your peace reign in our hearts and our communities. Believing for healing where there has been harm, unity where there is division, and courage to act in truth and love. Help us to always look to You for direction and timing trusting in Your perfect will. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.