“Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.”
This verse is part of the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, who was violated by Shechem, the son of Hamor, a Hivite prince. After the incident, Shechem fell in love with Dinah and wanted to marry her. He spoke to his father about his desire to marry her, and Hamor went to Jacob to propose a marriage alliance between their two families.
In this verse, Jacob’s sons respond to Shechem and Hamor’s proposal. They suggest a condition for the intermarriage between the two groups: if all the males of the Hivite community are circumcised, they will give their daughters to them in marriage, and they will take Hivite daughters as wives for themselves. They also express their desire to dwell with them and become one people.
This verse reveals several aspects that can be discussed in a Bible study:
- Cultural differences and intermarriage:The story of Dinah and Shechem highlights the clash between the Hebrew culture and the Hivite culture. The condition set by Jacob’s sons reflects the importance of cultural compatibility in marriage and the willingness to establish peaceful relationships through intermarriage.
- Circumcision as a covenant sign:The request for circumcision as a condition for intermarriage raises the significance of circumcision in the biblical context. Circumcision was an important physical sign of the covenant between God and the Hebrew people. It symbolised their unique relationship with God and their separation from other nations. By requiring circumcision, Jacob’s sons were making sure that the Hivites would fully commit to their covenant relationship with God.
- The concept of dwelling together and becoming one people:Jacob’s sons express their desire to live with the Hivites and become one people. This can be seen as a reflection of the theme of unity and reconciliation. Despite the initial conflict and violation, there is a willingness to forge a new relationship and create unity among the people. It emphasises the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the possibility of restoring broken relationships.
- The role of Jacob’s sons:This verse also sheds light on the actions and decision-making of Jacob’s sons. They take an active role in negotiating the terms of the intermarriage proposal, representing their family’s interests. Their involvement in the situation raises questions about their motivations and whether their actions align with God’s intentions or reflect their own desires.
Overall, Genesis 34:16 provides insights into cultural dynamics, covenant symbolism, reconciliation, and the actions of Jacob’s sons in response to the proposal of intermarriage. Studying this verse within the broader context of the Dinah and Shechem narrative can deepen our understanding of biblical themes and the complexities of human relationships.
