Genesis 34

Chapter 34: The Defiling of Dinah and the Revenge of Simeon and Levi

Background History and Timeline: Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses, was written around the 15th century BCE. It covers events from the creation of the world to the patriarchs of Israel.

Locations Mentioned: The chapter primarily focuses on the region where Dinah, Jacob's daughter, is defiled.

Themes and Conflicts: Genesis 34 narrates the tragic incident of Dinah's defilement by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, and the revenge taken by her brothers Simeon and Levi. It explores themes of honor, justice, and the consequences of violence.

Main Characters: Dinah, Shechem, Simeon, Levi, Jacob, and Hamor are the main characters in this chapter.

Specific Passages:

• Genesis 34:2: "And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her."

• Genesis 34:13-15: "The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully, because he had defiled their sister Dinah. They said to them, 'We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. Only on this condition will we agree with you—that you will become as we are by every male among you being circumcised.'"

Explanation: Genesis 34 recounts how Dinah, Jacob's daughter, is defiled by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. Shechem desires to marry Dinah and asks for her hand in marriage. Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, seek to avenge their sister's honor and deceive Shechem and his father Hamor.

They agree to the marriage on the condition that all the men of Shechem's city undergo circumcision. While recovering from the procedure, Simeon and Levi attack the city, killing all the men and plundering their possessions.

Jacob rebukes his sons for their actions, fearing reprisals from neighboring tribes. Simeon and Levi defend their actions, arguing that they could not allow their sister's honor to be violated without consequences.

Genesis 34 illustrates the complexities of family relationships and the dynamics of honor and vengeance in ancient Near Eastern culture. It also highlights the consequences of impulsive actions and the importance of seeking justice without resorting to violence.

Moses is traditionally attributed as the author of Genesis, including Chapter 34.