Bible Study Online Article

In the last article we learned that Jacob and Esau had finally put their differences behind them. What's even more important, Esau no longer wanted to kill Jacob for his past actions towards him and their father Isaac.

Now we find that Jacob has moved forward in his journey, for we've discovered that he's looking to make "Shalem" which was a city of Shechem - his new home.

Know that Jacob decides to purchase a plot of land for a hundred pieces of sliver.

This transaction would be done through the sons of "Hamor the Hivite."

Next we find that after purchasing the plot of land, Jacob would then build an altar unto the Almighty God. Jacob would in turn, name this place "El-elohe-Israel" which meant - God the God of Israel. Sometime would past and the Scriptures are now revealing that Jacob and Leah's daughter Dinah (who was perhaps Jacob's only daughter) decided to go out and explore the city.

It's presumed that there was perhaps a planned gathering that was happening later on in the day, which included a feast, or a dance, or perhaps both. It would be at this gathering, where the "daughters of the land" were planning to go.

Know that Dinah was curious and with her possibly being the only daughter amongst eleven brothers, one could make the assumption that she wanted to be around some girls her own age, in which she may have felt, had something in common with her. After all, at this point in her life, she was perhaps the only girl and would be between the ages of fourteen and sixteen. It shouldn't be too far fetched to see why, she would want to be around other girls who were her own age.

So Dinah ventures off and attends this festival, and it would be at this time that she meets a man who went by the name "Shechem" who was the son of "Hamor the Hivite," a prince of the land. Remember that Jacob had earlier, brought his land from Shechem's brothers when they first settled in this place. Now it's crucial that we pay close attention to what happens next: "And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and defiled her." -- (Genesis 34:2)

Now here I go bucking the trend again, for I don't believe that Shechem had taken her by force like some would teach or preach. Being that some translations uses the word "violated" instead of the KJV word "defiled." And to be fair, I can see how church leaders and Bible teachers could lean towards that viewpoint.

But personally, I think that the prince was able to sweet talk her (and not through force) by taking advantage of Dinah's naiveness. Now keep in mind that she was very young and gullible at this stage in her life. But regardless of my opinion, the Scriptures still points out that she was "defiled". Which could lead us to assume that perhaps, she was upset and disappointed in herself for the sinful predicament she now finds herself in.

The Sacred Record also reveals that Shechem's heart was drawn towards Dinah. That he was in love with her and spoke tenderly to her. Now honestly, does this fit the description of a man that wanted to harm her? In fact, Shechem wanted to marry Dinah, so he asked his father Hamor to go and speak with her family on his behalf: "Get me this girl as my wife." Shechem demanded and pleaded with his father.

In the meantime, Dinah makes it back home and tells her father what had happen. After hearing this, Jacob held his peace until his sons had made it back home from the fields, in which they were tending the cattle. Soon after, Hamor and his son Shechem went out to talk to Jacob. It's at this point, Dinah's brothers had made it back home and when they had found out what Shechem had done to Dinah. After hearing what had happened, they were grieved and became very angry. Understand that they felt like Shechem had dishonored, and shamed Israel for sleeping with its daughter - Dinah.

However, Hamor now begins his proposal on the behalf of his son Shechem: "My son Shechem has his heart set on your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife. Intermarry with us; give us your daughters and take your daughters for yourselves. You can settle among us; the land is open to you. Live in it, trade in it, and acquire property in it." - Genesis 34:8-10

Next Shechem would add to his proposal: "Let me find favor in your eyes, and I will give you whatever you ask. Make the price for the bride and the gift I am to bring as great as you like, and I'll pay whatever you ask me. Only give me the girl as my wife." - Genesis 34:11,12

Now keep in mind that it was customary for men to buy their wives and as we can see, this practice is on full display here. Hamor and his son Shechem, basically presents Jacob and his household with an offer of unification between the two families. The price for this partnership and Dinah's hand in marriage seems to be unlimited on Shechem and Hamor's end.

Will Jacob's faith and moral integrity be up for sale? Will he compromise and make a deal with Shechem and his father? Dinah's brothers are furious, how will they respond? We will see, as we venture forth in the next article.

The Introduction of Abraham

The Birth of Isaac

The Birth of Esau & Jacob

Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty

**YOUR CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES WOULD BE HERE**

Joseph the Favorite Son

Joseph the Overseer of Egypt

The Unveiling of Joseph

54) Jacob the Prosperous

55) Jacob departs from Laban

56) Rachel the Thief

57) Jacob's Mistake

58) Laban's Pursuit

59) The Friendship Covenant

60) The Host of Angels

61) Jacob Wrestles with God

62) The Reconciliation of Jacob & Esau

63) <-CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE PAGE->

64) The Plot of Vengeance

65) The Forgotten Vow

66) The Season of Passing

67) The Descendants of Esau

68) Joseph the Favorite Son