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Genesis-34

The Rape Survivor: A Devotional Study on Genesis 34​

Introduction​

The narrative in Genesis 34 is a difficult and uncomfortable passage for many readers. The brutal rape of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, exposes a dark reality of violence against women. As we delve into this heartbreaking story, let's unpack the profound spiritual insights that can provide healing, hope, and comfort to survivors of sexual violence.

Section 1: Dinah's Rape (Genesis 34:1-2)​

Devotional Thought: Shechem, the son of Hamor, the Hivite, raped Dinah, Jacob's daughter. The silence around Dinah's emotions is deafening. We can only imagine her pain, shock, and trauma. In this passage, it's clear that her dignity and bodily autonomy were violated. Although we may not understand the why's, let's see the scene through Dinah's lens and empathize with her.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we show empathy towards survivors of sexual violence like Dinah?
  • How does this passage challenge your understanding of justice and value for bodily autonomy?

Section 2: Jacob's Anger (Genesis 34:3-7)​

Devotional Thought: Jacob learned about his daughter's assault. In response, he felt anger and sought to protect his family's honor. The outcry against a woman's privacy, in this case, Dinah's, is a reminder of how we must protect our loved ones when they have been violated. Let's remember the emotional turmoil that comes with such revelations.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways can we support our loved ones through their journey of healing after a sexual assault?
  • How does this passage challenge your understanding of justice and due process in response to sexual assault?

Section 3: Negotiations (Genesis 34:8-24)​

Devotional Thought: Hamor, Shechem's father, negotiated with Jacob for the marriage between his son Shechem and Dinah. Jacob's sons avenged Dinah's rape, leaving the city in ruin. The exchange of Shechem's life for Dinah's shows the complexity of violence against women. Revenge and retaliation reflect a broken and violent cycle.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways can we break the cycle of violence and seek healing for survivors and communities broken by sexual assault?
  • How do we navigate justice in response to sexual assault in a world broken by sin?

Section 4: Dinah's Aftermath (Genesis 34:25-31)​

Devotional Thought: The passage ends on a somber note. Although Dinah's assailant is dead, the narrative doesn't have a clear resolution for Dinah. She's never spoken of again, and further details surrounding her trauma are absent. The silence can reflect the as-yet-unheard voices of survivors with unanswered questions. As we close this chapter, let's acknowledge those who carry the scars of sexual assault and their unanswered questions.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you walk alongside survivors of sexual assault who may have unanswered questions and emotions surrounding their trauma?
  • In what ways can we join the conversation to break the silence around sexual assault and seek justice, healing and support for survivors?

Conclusion:​

As we end our study of Genesis 34, we encounter both darkness and light. Let's bring light to this dark story, ensuring it serves as a reminder of the complexities of violence against women, the importance of empathy, support, and healing for survivors, and a call to seek a better way. Above all, let's remember Dinah's story, seek to break the cycle of violence, and hearken to the needs of survivors, advocating for justice, healing and support in our communities.