Genesis 34:15 - Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised;
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What does "Genesis 34:15" mean?
Genesis 34:15 is part of a story about the rape of Dinah by Shechem, the son of Hamor, prince of the land. Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, are seeking revenge but also trying to take advantage of the situation. They propose a deceitful plan to the men of Shechem:
"Only on this condition will we consent to you." This establishes a specific requirement for any peaceful interaction or intermarriage between Jacob's family and the people of Shechem.
"If you will be as we are..." This implies a conversion to their customs and religious practices.
"...that every male of you be circumcised;" This is the central condition. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants (the Israelites). By demanding circumcision, Simeon and Levi are essentially demanding that the men of Shechem join their religious community.
In essence, the verse means:
"We will only agree to peaceful relations with you, including intermarriage, if all the men in your community agree to be circumcised and become like us."
The deception:
Simeon and Levi know that circumcision is a painful process. Their plan is to wait until the men of Shechem are weak and vulnerable after their circumcisions, and then attack and kill them, avenging Dinah and plundering their city. The men of Shechem accept the condition, believing it will lead to greater wealth and prosperity through intermarriage with Jacob's family. However, they are being manipulated and deceived.
Genesis 34:15 - Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised;
What does "Genesis 34:15" mean?
Genesis 34:15 is part of a story about the rape of Dinah by Shechem, the son of Hamor, prince of the land. Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, are seeking revenge but also trying to take advantage of the situation. They propose a deceitful plan to the men of Shechem:
"Only on this condition will we consent to you." This establishes a specific requirement for any peaceful interaction or intermarriage between Jacob's family and the people of Shechem.
"If you will be as we are..." This implies a conversion to their customs and religious practices.
"...that every male of you be circumcised;" This is the central condition. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants (the Israelites). By demanding circumcision, Simeon and Levi are essentially demanding that the men of Shechem join their religious community.
In essence, the verse means:
"We will only agree to peaceful relations with you, including intermarriage, if all the men in your community agree to be circumcised and become like us."
The deception:
Simeon and Levi know that circumcision is a painful process. Their plan is to wait until the men of Shechem are weak and vulnerable after their circumcisions, and then attack and kill them, avenging Dinah and plundering their city. The men of Shechem accept the condition, believing it will lead to greater wealth and prosperity through intermarriage with Jacob's family. However, they are being manipulated and deceived.