The account of the deception and violation is found in Genesis 34, a chapter that details a troubling episode in the lives of Jacob's family. This narrative centers on Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, and the events that unfold when she visits the women of the land of Shechem.

Dinah and Shechem

Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob mentioned in the Scriptures, went out to visit the women of the land. During her visit, Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her and seized her. Genesis 34:2 states, "When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force." This act of violation against Dinah sets the stage for the subsequent events involving her brothers and the people of Shechem.

Shechem's Desire and Proposal

Despite his grievous act, Shechem's soul was drawn to Dinah, and he desired to marry her. He spoke to his father, Hamor, and requested that he obtain Dinah as his wife. Hamor approached Jacob to negotiate a marriage arrangement, offering to intermarry and dwell together in the land. Shechem himself pleaded with Dinah's family, saying, "Let me find favor in your eyes, and I will give you whatever you ask" (Genesis 34:11).

The Deceptive Agreement

Jacob's sons, particularly Simeon and Levi, were incensed by the violation of their sister. They deceitfully agreed to the marriage proposal on the condition that all the males in Shechem be circumcised, as they were. Genesis 34:13 notes, "But the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah."

The Massacre at Shechem

Hamor and Shechem agreed to the terms, and all the men of the city were circumcised. On the third day, when the men were in pain, Simeon and Levi took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing all the males, including Hamor and Shechem. They rescued Dinah from Shechem's house and plundered the city. Genesis 34:25-26 recounts, "Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords, came upon the unsuspecting city, and killed every male. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away."

Jacob's Reaction

Jacob was deeply troubled by the actions of his sons, fearing retribution from the surrounding Canaanite and Perizzite inhabitants. He expressed his concern in Genesis 34:30 , "Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, 'You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.'"

Moral and Theological Implications

The narrative of the deception and violation raises significant moral and theological questions. It highlights the consequences of sin, the complexities of justice and retribution, and the challenges of living in a fallen world. The actions of Shechem, Simeon, and Levi each reflect different aspects of human sinfulness and the need for divine guidance and redemption. The account serves as a somber reminder of the brokenness that can arise from human actions and the importance of seeking God's will in all circumstances.