Genesis 35:27: “Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed.”
Jacob’s Caravan finally arrived in Mamre. His father Isaac sat by the fire. He was blind with age, but his hearing was undiminished. He immediately recognized his son’s voice. “Jacob?” He said in awe and wonder, “You’re here! You’re finally home! After all these years …” Jacob hugged his father for a long while. After he regained his composure he asked him: “Where is Mom?” Isaac shook his head and replied: “I’m sorry my son, but Rebekah passed away a few years ago. I know she would have been so proud of you.”
Jacob signaled his family to come closer. “Dad, these are my wives and children.” He motioned Leah, Bilhah and Zilpah and his sons go near his father, so he could touch them. “This is your grandfather Isaac”, Jacob said to his sons in a choked voice. It was a moment of closure for him.
Some time later Jacob and his twin brother Esau met to discuss their future. Esau was not one who liked to beat around the bush. He directly got to the point and said: “I’m sure you have noticed that we’re running out of space here.” Jacob nodded and replied: “The Lord has blessed us beyond measure. I agree it will be difficult to find enough grazing land for both our livestock.” Esau gave him a friendly nudge and said: “Ok, little brother. You have moved your tribe all the way from Paddam Aram – and I will move my tribe permanently into the mountains of Seir. The land of Canaan is yours to explore and settle. What do you say?” Jacob was speechless. “I don’t know what to say.” Esau chuckled. “It’s already decided, brother. Welcome to Canaan!” And so Esau established his headquarters in the hill country of Seir while Jacob remained in the land of Canaan.
It was a cold winter’s day when Dinah gave birth to a little daughter. Leah placed the baby in her daughter’s arms. Dinah was thrilled. “She is so beautiful”, she whispered. “How will you name the child?” her mother asked. Without taking her eyes off the baby, Dinah said: “She has a little birthmark under her left eye, just like her father.” She kissed her on the forehead and said with sadness in her voice: “Her future parents will decide on her name.”
Word on the street was that the Egyptian Pharaohs had a heart for orphaned children. Dinah had already decided to bring her daughter to Egypt to give her up for adoption. She handed the baby back to her mother and said, “If dad should ask, tell him the baby was born dead.” Leah nodded and said: “Are you sure you want to leave with Simeon tomorrow? You know he could go without you.” Dinah was determined. “No!” she said, “I’m her mom. It’s my job to ensure she is in good hands.”
At the crack of dawn Simeon brought the camels and mules with plenty of food and provisions. Dinah had fastened a sling around her waist and shoulders and her mother helped her with the baby. Soon it sat snug and secure, cradled in Dinah’s arms. Simeon urged: “We need to get going before the whole camp wakes up.” Leah’s face was wet with tears as she kissed her daughter and grandchild goodbye.
Simeon decided to take the central route leading through the Negev desert. On the third day of their journey they crossed the brook of Egypt. Taking the Way to Shur via Goshen, they turned south after crossing the Nile River. They continued upstream until they reached On, the City of the Sun, also known as Heliopolis. From afar the city’s temples and obelisks gleamed in the last sunlight as evening approached. Simeon halted his camel and turned to Dinah, saying: “I think we should call it a day and enter the city in the morning when the priests are on duty.” He guided the animals to a nice shade tree where he began to unload them. Dinah’s camel knelt down and with a bit of difficulty she unmounted. It was time to nurse her baby.
At dew point the tent covers were wet. Dinah stepped outside and took in the scenery. At sunrise the Nile River looked like molten glass. Mist rose from the water and wrapped the river banks in soft pastels. Simeon had already started a fire and was cooking breakfast. Spontaneously Dinah hugged him and simply said: “Thank you.”
Simeon looked at his sister and felt ashamed. He had blood on his hands. With his brothers he had massacred a whole village for the sake of their honor – because a man had raped his sister. Now Dinah had to pick up the pieces and thanked him for helping her. “You are an extraordinary woman’” he said with newfound respect. “And I swear to you, I will do anything to find you a worthy husband.”
In Heliopolis everything happened very fast. The city was teeming with people. Market stands were erected. Locals and pilgrims mingled on the streets as Dinah and Simeon weaved their way through the crowd. A red granite obelisk marked the city center and a priest on duty was passing by. He was headed to the most prominent-looking temple, located right next to the obelisk. Simeon and Dinah followed him. Eventually, the priest took notice and turned around, addressing them in Egyptian. Bowing low to the ground, Dinah presented the baby. Simeon knew only a few words in Egyptian. Pointing to the child he repeatedly said: “Orphan”. The priest seemed to understand what Simeon was trying to communicate and lovingly accepted the baby.
Unbeknownst to Simeon and Dinah, they had met Potiphera, Pharaoh’s Head Priest. He and his wife ended up adopting Dinah’s daughter, and she would hold a very special place in their hearts.