Genesis 34:18 - Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son.
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What does "Genesis 34:18" mean?
This verse, "Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son," from Genesis 34:18 is a critical turning point in the story and indicates a moment of deception and manipulation. Let's break down what it means in context:
Context: The "words" being referred to are the terms set by Jacob's sons (Simeon and Levi) for allowing the men of Shechem to marry their sister Dinah and trade with them. These terms were that all the men of Shechem must be circumcised.
Pleased: The word "pleased" is important. It implies that Hamor and Shechem were not necessarily acting out of genuine affection or respect for Dinah or Jacob's family. Instead, they were motivated by other factors.
Hamor and Shechem's Motivation: The narrative makes it clear that Hamor and Shechem were primarily interested in the potential economic and social benefits of intermarriage and trade with Jacob's wealthy family and their people. Circumcision was seen as a small price to pay for these advantages. They were likely thinking about:
Increased wealth: They saw an opportunity to acquire more livestock, land, and possessions through trade and intermarriage.
Strengthened political position: Alliances with Jacob's group could boost their power in the region.
Deception and Foreboding: The fact that Hamor and Shechem were "pleased" by these terms foreshadows the tragic consequences that will follow. Jacob's sons had set these terms with deceitful intent, not genuine acceptance of the people of Shechem. The "pleasure" of Hamor and Shechem is therefore ironic and sets the stage for the revenge and massacre carried out by Simeon and Levi.
In essence, the verse highlights the self-serving motivations of Hamor and Shechem. They were willing to agree to a religious ritual (circumcision) not out of conviction, but because they believed it would benefit them materially and politically. This sets up the tragedy that follows, where their willingness to comply with the deceitful terms leads to their downfall and the slaughter of the men of Shechem.
Genesis 34:18 - Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son.
What does "Genesis 34:18" mean?
This verse, "Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son," from Genesis 34:18 is a critical turning point in the story and indicates a moment of deception and manipulation. Let's break down what it means in context:
Context: The "words" being referred to are the terms set by Jacob's sons (Simeon and Levi) for allowing the men of Shechem to marry their sister Dinah and trade with them. These terms were that all the men of Shechem must be circumcised.
Pleased: The word "pleased" is important. It implies that Hamor and Shechem were not necessarily acting out of genuine affection or respect for Dinah or Jacob's family. Instead, they were motivated by other factors.
Hamor and Shechem's Motivation: The narrative makes it clear that Hamor and Shechem were primarily interested in the potential economic and social benefits of intermarriage and trade with Jacob's wealthy family and their people. Circumcision was seen as a small price to pay for these advantages. They were likely thinking about:
Increased wealth: They saw an opportunity to acquire more livestock, land, and possessions through trade and intermarriage.
Strengthened political position: Alliances with Jacob's group could boost their power in the region.
Deception and Foreboding: The fact that Hamor and Shechem were "pleased" by these terms foreshadows the tragic consequences that will follow. Jacob's sons had set these terms with deceitful intent, not genuine acceptance of the people of Shechem. The "pleasure" of Hamor and Shechem is therefore ironic and sets the stage for the revenge and massacre carried out by Simeon and Levi.
In essence, the verse highlights the self-serving motivations of Hamor and Shechem. They were willing to agree to a religious ritual (circumcision) not out of conviction, but because they believed it would benefit them materially and politically. This sets up the tragedy that follows, where their willingness to comply with the deceitful terms leads to their downfall and the slaughter of the men of Shechem.