Dinah

Reading Dinah’s story in the Bible is difficult. It’s like a horror scene. A young girl that goes out to see the daughters in the land, is raped by a man, a sadistic man.

A man that had no respect for a woman. A man that was selfish and wanted to indulge in his perversely sick desire to take a young innocent virgin girl and dishonor her.   

After doing his disgraceful act, the Word of God says, his soul was strongly attracted to Dinah, and he fell in love with her and spoke kindly to her. So much so, that he asked his father to negotiate a marriage contract with Jacob. Jacob had seen too much trouble in his life already with past mistakes and did not want to cause more pain for his wife Leah or dishonor for his family. He did not want his daughter to suffer the burden of a bad reputation either, so he agreed to the marriage. For the peace of everyone’s sake.  Jacob maybe thought he could still save his daughter as not all was lost, the man fell in love with his daughter and wanted to marry her. She could still have her dignity.  The Word of God says that the man who raped Dinah was more honorable than all in the household of his father.  I don’t even want to imagine what the others were like.  But at least, he desired to marry Dinah. 

Two of Jacob’s eldest sons did not agree with Jacob’s decision.  She was the only girl in the family.  We know how brothers can be overprotective of their sisters.  They were angry and tricked Dinah’s rapist into thinking there would be a marriage. Just to later entrap them and kill the man that raped their sister and all the men in that village.  What did this punishment accomplish? Did this help Dinah in any way? What was her opinion? Did Jacob or his two sons ever consult Dinah and asked her if she would like to marry the man that raped her?  Had her heart softened towards him since he spoke kindly to her and now loves her?  Or did she want wrath and punishment upon this man?  All these plans were made for Dinah without hearing her side, her needs, her wants, and her heart. 

Jacob was so angry with his two eldest sons that caused enmity with the neighboring city, that on his deathbed he took their birthright inheritance and blessing away from them. His third-born son Judah now received the inheritance of the firstborn blessing and birthright.  The Bible does not say much more about Dinah and what happened to her. But as a woman reading this, you can understand and imagine what she must have gone through.

 Sadly, there will be some of you reading this who know exactly the pain and suffering she felt because you have experienced rape and humiliation too. I’m so, so sorry if you have gone through this ordeal as well. 

I just want to encourage you with this: Jesus is the restorer of broken pieces. Jesus is the one who puts back together the pieces that what was broken. Jesus understands you. He knows your pain. Every time Jesus took a lashing on his back and his flesh was ripped off, he felt the pain. The cursing towards Him, the mockery towards Him, the rejection, He felt that too.

Jesus knows your pain. One thing I can tell you is that He still has a perfect plan for your life. Don’t give up. Don’t let others rob you of being the fearful and wonderful person God has made you be. You are beautiful, you are special and you are worthy. You are the apple of God’s eye.

You are still a masterpiece of God. Loved and cherished by God. 

I love you, says the Lord. You are not defined by what others have done to you or taken from you. I am the God of restoration says the Lord. 

Written by Pastor Sandra for Women of the Word

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