"But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone."
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis 34, which tells the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. In this chapter, Dinah goes out to visit the women of the land, and Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, sees her, takes her, and violates her. This act leads to the subsequent events and negotiations described in the surrounding verses.
In verse 17, two of Dinah’s brothers, Simeon and Levi, are speaking to Shechem and his father, Hamor. They propose a solution to the situation, presenting a condition for reconciliation. Simeon and Levi express that if the men of Shechem’s city agree to be circumcised, they will allow Dinah’s marriage to Shechem and integrate with the local community. However, if the condition is not met, they declare that they will take their sister and leave.
This verse raises several important points and provides insights into the characters involved:
- Covenant and Circumcision:Circumcision held great significance in the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. Simeon and Levi propose that the men of Shechem’s city undergo circumcision as a condition for accepting them into their community. This suggests that they wanted to maintain the religious and cultural practices of their own people and ensure that any alliance respected their covenant with God.
- Strategic Deception:Simeon and Levi’s proposal carries an element of deceit. They are aware that the men of the city would be in pain during the healing process of circumcision, which would temporarily weaken them. By capitalizing on this vulnerability, they plan to take revenge for their sister’s violation. This raises ethical questions about their methods and motivations.
- The Importance of Honor:Simeon and Levi’s reaction reveals the cultural significance of honor and shame in the ancient Near Eastern society. Dinah’s violation brought disgrace upon their family, and they sought to restore their honor through this negotiation and ultimately through their act of revenge.
It is worth noting that the response of Simeon and Levi raises controversy and is later strongly condemned by their father, Jacob, in Genesis 49:5-7. He criticizes their violent actions and their use of deceit, which results in a curse upon their descendants.
Overall, Genesis 34:17 provides a glimpse into the cultural and moral dynamics of the time, highlighting the importance of honor, the significance of circumcision, and the consequences of resorting to deceit and violence to resolve conflicts.
