The month of Av is represented by the tribe of Simeon. His life story packs a powerful punch. As the story unfolds, Simeon’s younger sister, Dinah, is kidnapped and raped by Shechem, the Hivite Prince, but he and up falling in love with her and speaks comfortingly to her trying to win her heart. Shechem asks his father to speak to Jacob and his sons. Shechem is willing to give them whatever they ask in exchange for Dinah to be his wife. Jacob’s sons are deceitful to them and said they would if they agreed to be circumcised. So Shechem and his father, Hamor agree.
Shechem had great influence at the gate of his city, telling the men that Jacob and his family were at peace with them and to let them live among them and trade with them. He encouraged them to take their daughters as wives and give their daughters as wives, and to be one people, but there was one condition - everyone had to be circumcised. The men agreed. However, on the third day while they were still healing, Simeon and Levi went into the city and killed all the males with their swords.
Jacob was horrified at what they had done and years later when it was time for Jacob to pronounce a blessing over Simeon, he says this instead, ”Simeon and Levi are brothers, instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. May I never join their council. May I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger and crippled cattle just for fun. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.”
I often wonder how different the story would have been if Simeon wouldn’t have taken matters into his own hands. Perhaps, there could have been reconciliation, restoration, forgiveness and Shechem’s name would have been part of a salvation plan for the Hivite nation and Dinah’s legacy would be so different. After all, both Ruth and Rahab were not originally Israelites but are in the lineage of Jesus. Many heroes in the bible made the biggest mistakes and also had the greatest impact. God’s heart is for people and their salvation and He wants to turn our tests into testimonies.
Know this, my beloved; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. - James 1:19
As we continue on through this month that has the characteristic of “hearing”, let’s focus on whom we should listen to. Simeon listened to his enflamed emotions. He let them rule him and it turned into revenge and violence. He lost his inheritance over it and was dispersed in the land.
In this new era, as emotions of fear, uncertainty and anger are at an all time high, we have the answer. It is revealed when Peter, James and John went up the mountain and Jesus was transfigured before their eyes. We declare it over our families, regions, provinces and nation:
While he was still speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” - Matthew 17:5
So, we turn our hearts to You so we can “hear” and obey your loving guidance. And as we do it will lead us into our inheritance in the land of the living.
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” - Luke 11:28
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11