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SHECHEM

Text: Genesis 35
19 February 2013

(I) SHECHEM

1. The cruel acts of Simeon and Levi

a) Murder

b) Plunder

c) Capture of women and children (Genesis 34:28-29)

2. Jacob and family had to uproot and leave Shechem

a) Their stay at Shechem had become untenable

b) Their continued stay would have invited vengeance

(II) RETURN TO BETHEL

1. God’s word to Jacob

a) Arise

b) Go to Bethel

c) Dwell there

d) Make an altar there (Genesis 35:1)

2. Jacob’s word

a) To his household

b) To those who were with him

3. Clear instructions

a) Put away the foreign gods that are among you

b) Change your garments

c) Destination: Return to Bethel

d) Setting up and altar at Bethel

e) Remembering God

i) He answered Jacob in his time of distress (Genesis 28)

ii) He had always been with Jacob all these years (Genesis 28-34)

4. Response of the children and those with him

a) All foreign gods surrendered (Genesis 35:4a)

b) Ear rings (Genesis 35:4b)

5. Burying of the idols and ear rings

Buried in Shechem

6. Fleeing Shechem

a) God protected them

b) No one pursued them (Genesis 35:5)