MPV Commentary

The Dishonor of Dinah.

1-4. Although Jacob had been freed from foreign troubles, he now faced a severe domestic crisis with the fall of his only daughter. It is likely that Dinah had been attending festivals and social gatherings in Shechem, where she was flattered by the attentions of the ruler's son, Shechem. This suggests there were opportunities for acquaintance between them.

5. Jacob remained silent, deeply distressed as a father and a good man. However, he could do little to intervene. In cases like this, it is not the father but the full brothers who are responsible for protecting their sisters' welfare and avenging any wrongs done to them. Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers by Leah, took on this role and became the primary actors in this episode.

6. Hamor, also known as Emmor (Acts 7:16), was a chief or ruler of Shechem. The name "Hamor" means "ass," which is an interesting contrast to the Western idea of an ass being a slow-moving animal. In the East, however, an ass was seen as sprightly and well-proportioned.

7. Jacob's sons were grieved by Dinah's situation and became very angry. While it's natural for good men to feel this way in such circumstances, their anger could have been less intense or more controlled. No injury can justify revenge (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:9), but Jacob's sons planned a deceitful scheme of revenge.

8-10. Hamor and his son Shechem initially seemed to act honestly, seeking friendly intercourse with the shepherds. However, they failed to express regret or restore Dinah to her family, which was a significant error that ultimately led to an unhappy outcome.

11. Shechem proposed marriage to Jacob and his sons, offering a dowry and gifts. The consideration of this proposal belonged to Jacob, but he showed weakness by yielding to the impetuosity of his sons.

12. Shechem offered to pay any dowry or gift required for Dinah's hand in marriage. This included presents made at betrothal to both the bride elect and her relations (compare Genesis 24:53).

13. The sons of Jacob responded by demanding that Shechem and his people be circumcised as a sign of their commitment to the covenant. However, this outward rite did not necessarily make them true Israelites. It appears they did not seek to teach the people to worship the true God but only insisted on circumcision as a condition for marriage.

20. Hamor and Shechem came to the city gate, where public communications were made. The people's ready submission to their measure suggests either an extraordinary affection for the governing family or the abject despotism of Eastern societies, where a chief's will is absolute.

30. Jacob said to his sons, "You have troubled me." This atrocious outrage perpetrated on defenseless citizens and their families made the cup of Jacob's affliction overflow. He likely focused on the present consequences rather than representing it as a heinous sin because that was the only view likely to rouse his hardened sons' consciences.