Genesis 34:13 Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob’s sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor.
I truly think Hamor and Shechem were oblivious to their heinousness. It’s hard to believe, but they both seem to think that violently taking a woman because you desire her and then offering whatever price to make her your wife is ok. There seems to be no guile, no fronting there, shocking as it may be.
Genesis 34:14 They said to them, “We can’t do such a thing; we can’t give our sister to a man who is not circumcised. That would be a disgrace to us. circumcising all your males.
The sons of Jacob, however, knew exactly what they were doing. There was deceit in their every word. They are planning to avenge their sister’s honor. They are setting Hamor and Shechem up. Is their act more or less despicable for its calculated nature? Does it matter? Not in God’s eyes.
Genesis 34:15 We will enter into an agreement with you on one condition only: that you become like us by circumcising all your males.
Precious Savior, You tell me not to judge so that I will not be judged. Show me, then, what I am to do with this situation, this story. If You don’t want me to judge, then You want me to learn. Help me to avoid both unplanned and intentional harm to others. Help me to strive to treat all others, as Your deeply loved children. Help me. Amen.
Genesis 34:16-17 Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We’ll settle among you and become one people with you. But if you will not agree to be circumcised, we’ll take our sister and go.”
Have a blessed day.