Biblical Context:
The attack on Shechem is a significant event recorded in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 34. This incident involves the patriarch Jacob's family and the inhabitants of the city of Shechem, located in the land of Canaan. The narrative unfolds during the patriarchal period, a time when the descendants of Abraham were sojourning in the land promised to them by God.

Key Figures:
· Jacob: The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, father of Dinah, and a central figure in the narrative.
· Dinah: The daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose encounter with Shechem sets the stage for the subsequent events.
· Shechem: The son of Hamor the Hivite, a prince of the land, who becomes infatuated with Dinah.
· Hamor: The father of Shechem and a leader among the Hivites.
· Simeon and Levi: Sons of Jacob and Leah, full brothers of Dinah, who play a pivotal role in the attack on Shechem.

The Incident:
The account begins with Dinah, Jacob's daughter, going out to visit the women of the land. Shechem, the son of Hamor, sees her, takes her, and violates her. Despite this grievous act, Shechem's soul is drawn to Dinah, and he desires to marry her. He speaks to his father, Hamor, to arrange the marriage.

Hamor approaches Jacob and his sons to negotiate a marriage alliance, offering to intermarry and share the land. Shechem himself pleads for Dinah's hand, willing to pay any bride price demanded. However, Jacob's sons, particularly Simeon and Levi, are incensed by the defilement of their sister and respond deceitfully.

The Deceptive Agreement:
Simeon and Levi propose a condition for the marriage: that all the males of Shechem be circumcised. They claim this is necessary for the union to be acceptable, as they cannot give their sister to an uncircumcised man. Hamor and Shechem agree, convincing the men of their city to undergo circumcision, promising them the wealth and daughters of Jacob's family in return.

The Attack:
On the third day, when the men of Shechem are in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi take their swords and attack the city. They kill all the males, including Hamor and Shechem, and rescue Dinah from Shechem's house. The other sons of Jacob join in plundering the city, seizing livestock, women, and children.

Jacob's Reaction:
Jacob is deeply troubled by the actions of Simeon and Levi. He fears retribution from the surrounding Canaanite and Perizzite inhabitants, worrying that his family, being few in number, will be destroyed. He confronts Simeon and Levi, saying, "You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the inhabitants of the land" (Genesis 34:30).

Moral and Theological Implications:
The attack on Shechem raises complex moral and theological questions. The narrative highlights themes of justice, revenge, and the consequences of deceit. It also underscores the importance of covenantal identity and the dangers of intermingling with the surrounding pagan cultures. The actions of Simeon and Levi, while motivated by a desire to defend their sister's honor, are ultimately condemned by Jacob for their violence and deceit.

Legacy:
The events at Shechem have lasting repercussions for Jacob's family. In his final blessings, Jacob recalls the violence of Simeon and Levi, saying, "Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel" (Genesis 49:7). This incident foreshadows the future challenges the Israelites will face in maintaining their distinct identity and faithfulness to God's covenant amidst the pagan cultures of Canaan.