All the men who went out of the city gate agreed with Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male in the city was circumcised. Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male. Genesis 34:24-25 NIV
It could be said that this was a masterful battle plan, but in the story of faith -
Two wrongs do not make a right! (BTW, every male that reads this does so while slightly wincing at the thought)
Some interesting commentary from on the passage:
The Shechemites submitted to the sacred rite, only to serve a turn, to please their prince, and to enrich themselves, and it was just with God to bring punishment upon them. As nothing secures us better than true religion, so nothing exposes us more than religion only pretended to. But Simeon and Levi were most unrighteous. Those who act wickedly, under the pretext of religion, are the worst enemies of the truth, and harden the hearts of many to destruction. The crimes of others form no excuse for us. Alas! how one sin leads on to another, and, like flames of fire, spread desolation in every direction! Foolish pleasures lead to seduction; seduction produces wrath; wrath thirsts for revenge; the thirst of revenge has recourse to treachery; treachery issues in murder; and murder is followed by other lawless actions. Were we to trace the history of unlawful commerce between the sexes, we should find it, more than any other sin, ending in blood. (Matthew Henry Commentary)
The actions taken by many in the "name of religion" are not made right. In fact this story begins a lesson on God's view of those who use the name of God for personal gain.
A quick reminder, it is not for you or I to plot or plan the fall of those "profiting" from God - God is in control and judgement will come.
Faith and religion can accomplish much, but not when placed in the hands of man for their own gain.
Be reminded this day that God is in control.
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