The father’s heart?

What was father Jacob’s heart when his daughter Dinah was raped by Shechem,

the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land? (Gen. 34:1-5)

Shechem told Jacob and Jacob’s sons, “Let me find favor in your eyes” (v. 11).

How was Jacob’s heart then?

Maybe he thought about when he wanted to find favor in his older brother Esau’s eyes?

(33:8, 10, 15)

Jacob’s sons lied to Shechem and Shechem’s father Hamor

and tried to make them circumcised (34:14-17).

How was Jacob’s heart then?

Maybe he thought about when he lied to his father Isaac

in order to receive Esau’s blessing from Isaac? (ch. 27)

When Jacob’s sons lied, Shechem didn’t delay to do the thing,

Because he was delighted with Jacob’s daughter Dinah (34:19).

How was Jacob’s heart then?

Maybe he thought about when he served seven years for Rachel

because of his love for her

And it seemed to him but a few days? (29:20)

What was the heart of father Jacob?

When his older brother Esau asked him “Who are these with you?”

This was what Jacob said,

“The children whom God has graciously given your servant” (33:5).

The father’s heart must be a heart that knows the grace of God.