Genesis 34–36: On Dinah’s Defiling, Jacob’s Sons’ War Crimes, and Other Things That Ought Not Be Done in Israel (Bible Talk, Ep. 12)

These chapters of Genesis cover some dark terrain, things that ought not be done in Israel (34:7). Shechem violates Dinah. Two of his others sons—Simeon and Levi—commit a war crime. And Esau’s descent away from God’s people is finally codified through his genealogy (Gen. 36).

What’s God up to in Genesis 34–36? Even amidst his chosen people’s sin and wickedness, he’s still preserving and preparing them for his purposes.