“But Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife.”
Genesis 34:8 is part of the account of Dinah’s encounter with Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. Here, Hamor, Shechem’s father, is speaking with Dinah’s family, seeking her hand in marriage for his son.
Context and Background: Genesis 34 narrates the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. Dinah went out to visit the women of the land, and Shechem, the prince of the land, saw her, took her, and lay with her. Shechem then approached his father, Hamor, to request that he arrange a marriage between himself and Dinah.
The Significance of Marriage: In the biblical context, marriage was a significant covenantal relationship, representing the union between a man and a woman. It involved commitments, responsibilities, and obligations. Marriages were often arranged and negotiated by the families involved, as seen in this passage.
Shechem’s Desire: Hamor informs Dinah’s family that his son Shechem has developed strong feelings for her and desires to marry her. This indicates that Shechem’s intentions were not merely casual or lustful, but he genuinely longed for Dinah as his wife.
Cultural Differences: It’s worth noting that Dinah’s family was of Hebrew descent, while Shechem and Hamor were Hivites, a Canaanite tribe. This passage highlights the cultural and societal differences between the two groups. Interactions and relationships between different tribes or nations were significant in the historical context, and marriage alliances were sometimes formed to create bonds or establish peace between communities.
Ethical Considerations: The subsequent events in Genesis 34 reveal that the response of Dinah’s family to this proposal was more complex. They were angered and deceived by Shechem’s actions towards Dinah and his lack of regard for their customs and laws. Ultimately, Dinah’s brothers sought revenge, resulting in a tragic outcome.
Lessons and Applications: Genesis 34 teaches us several lessons about the importance of cultural sensitivity, communication, and the consequences of our actions. It also reminds us of the significance of upholding moral values and honoring commitments within the institution of marriage.
As with any passage of Scripture, it’s crucial to read and understand it within its broader context and consider the surrounding verses and chapters to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the message conveyed.
Note: Different interpretations and commentaries may provide additional insights and perspectives on this passage.
