THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
After all this, the just man left Shechem and continued his journey to Bethel. Observe how attentively God watched over him, revealing His care through the Scriptures. When the just man departed, it is stated that there fell a terror of God upon the surrounding cities, preventing the children of Jacob from facing persecution. Consider the diligence of God’s assistance; fear overcame the residents, sparing Jacob's family from harm. The very thing the righteous man dreaded was the possibility of destruction due to his small number, yet God's intervention instilled fear in those who could have threatened them, as noted in Scripture: “and they persecuted not the children of Jacob.” Thus, when God chooses to provide His aid, He empowers the weak beyond the strong and the few beyond the many.
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Truly, the one who receives divine support is most blessed.
As we resume our previous teachings today, we draw from the narrative of Jacob, which powerfully illustrates God’s providential care for him. The narrative recounts how, at God’s command, Jacob left Shechem due to his sons’ actions and retreated to Luz. The Scripture notes, “And he built an altar there, and called the place El Bethel, for there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.” When God commanded this righteous man and dispelled the fear resulting from the slaughter of the Shechemites, He instilled such fear in the inhabitants of those cities that they did not pursue Jacob. Witness the magnitude of God’s providence! God instilled fear in the hearts of the local populace, preventing any pursuit—despite their potential desire for revenge against the Shechemites. The vengeance executed by Simeon and Levi was not in accordance with Jacob's will. Thus, God not only liberated Jacob and his sons from terror but also ensured their safety by striking fear into the hearts of those in the land. How profound it is to receive heavenly favor! When God grants His grace, sorrow fades. Just as He instilled courage in the righteous, so He placed fear upon the aggressors. As the Sovereign of all, He orchestrates everything to fulfill His divine purpose, unveiling His wisdom in all matters. There exists no mightier individual than the one who has received supreme support, nor any weaker individual who lacks it. This just man, though small in number, was fortified by the divine hand, gaining courage and eluding the traps set by his adversaries. Though the residents of those cities gathered in great numbers and acted with collective intent, their strength was insufficient to execute their plans. As it states, “There was a terror of God upon the neighbouring cities.”