Jacob felt that there was cause for deep humiliation. Cruelty and falsehood were manifest in the character of his sons. There were false gods in the camp, and idolatry had to some extent gained a foothold even in his household. Should the Lord deal with them according to their deserts, would He not leave them to the vengeance of the surrounding nations?

Jakob følte, at der var grund til dyb ydmygelse. Grusomhed og falskhed kom klart til syne i hans sønners karakter. Der var falske guder i lejren, og afgudsdyrkelse havde til en vis grad fået fodfæste selv i hans egen husstand. Skulle Herren handle med dem efter fortjeneste, ville han da ikke overlade dem til de omboende folks hævn?