Genesis 34:8-10: Marketing strategy.

“8 But Hamor said to them, “My son Shechem has his heart set on your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife. 9 Intermarry with us; give us your daughters and take our daughters for yourselves. 10 You can settle among us; the land is open to you. Live in it, trade in it, and acquire property in it.” NIV UK

Just a few moments ago, I heard someone say, on a radio programme, that in marketing you take an object and link it to motive in order to sell it. You have to give people a reason to want it. Advertisers do this skilfully, seductively and continually, regularly using powerful images intended to pull us in emotionally.

There is always ‘the sprat to catch the mackerel.’

Temptation comes with a marketing strategy. Sin is such a dark and destructive reality, we would not listen to its offers if we could see it clearly. But the devil’s work is to ensure we can’t, and he is a master when it comes to making a compelling case for doing wrong. He is great at offering a deal.

They children of Israel’s were not to intermarry with the Canaanites. That was clear from God’s Word. But along with the temptation, there was an offer that could appeal to selfish motives. Look out for that ploy the next time Satan tries to sell you something.

PRAYER: Lord, please give me eyes to see through the deception of temptation.