Genesis 34:13-17

2009.May.29 10:00

Deception

Read Genesis 34:13-17 | Full Chapter

But Jacob's sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor with deceit, because he had defiled Dinah their sister.
(Genesis 34:13, NASB)

Fabulous question: Are lies ever not sin? Commandment no. 9 is, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:16, NASB) , not explicitly a prohibition on all lying (I’m sure there are other relevant passages here, which might clarify my forthcoming rambling). So what of lying in a defensive situation? It’s probably not really applicable here anyway, as, other than getting Dinah away from Shechem’s home, the brothers’ intentions are principally murderous. But it remains a valid question. On the other hand, how much does that answer matter to me? Because the number of situation I am likely to be in where it’s even a useful question are minimal. Hopefully, zero. And what of just plain diplomacy? Talking nice while looking for a stick and all that?

If I’m trying to make a point here, it’s twofold. First, it’s worth remembering that a black/white approach to considering every issue is woefully inadequate; even where I am certain of the righteousness or sinfulness of an action, I must remember that there may be additional elements to the story that need to be also considered when viewing the actions of others. This doesn’t change the nature of the action, but can affect how I react.

Second is that most of the time these edge case questions, while interesting, don’t matter that much. If I am consistently obedient in the clear cases, I will have an easier time being and seeking to be obedient in instances with more gray. In the narrative of Genesis, there’s not much evidence that Jacob made a significant effort to teach his sons to live consistently obedient to Yahweh.

They said to them, "We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. "Only on this condition will we consent to you: if you will become like us, in that every male of you be circumcised, then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live with you and become one people. "But if you will not listen to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go."
(Genesis 34:14-17, NASB)

The strategy of Dinah’s brothers is clever. They take advantage of Yahweh’s commandment that all males of their family be circumcised. They’re betting on the painful recovery to allow them an offensive advantage. Without making any theological judgement, I personally disapprove of this strategy, and in general of using my religious obligations to hurt another.