How does Genesis 34:18 connect to honoring parents in Exodus 20:12?

Setting the Scene

Genesis 34 tells the story of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, and the aftermath of her violation by Shechem, son of Hamor. After Jacob’s sons propose that every male in Shechem’s city be circumcised before any marriage alliance can take place, we read:

“Their offer seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem.” (Genesis 34:18)

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What Genesis 34:18 Reveals about Family Honor

• Shechem does not act alone; he involves his father.

• Hamor and Shechem respond together, presenting a united front.

• The phrase “seemed good” suggests both men are in agreement, indicating mutual respect.

• Shechem honors Hamor by valuing his counsel and proceeding with him, rather than bypassing him.

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Connecting to Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)

Link points:

1. Collaborative Decision-Making

– Shechem mirrors the principle of honoring parents by consulting and agreeing with Hamor.

2. Contrast with Jacob’s Sons

– Simeon and Levi deceive and later slaughter the Shechemites without Jacob’s approval (Genesis 34:25–31). Their actions disregard their father’s authority, violating the very command later codified in Exodus 20:12.

3. Blessing versus Consequence

– Exodus 20:12 attaches longevity in the land to honoring parents. Simeon and Levi’s dishonor brings a curse on their future tribal inheritance (Genesis 49:5–7).

– In contrast, Shechem seeks blessing—though misguided—through honoring his father, illustrating the principle even before the command is formally given.

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Lessons for Today

• Parental honor involves seeking counsel, not merely outward obedience.

• Decisions affecting family testimony should never bypass God-given authority structures.

• Dishonoring parents can sow long-term consequences; honoring them invites God’s favor.

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Supporting Scriptures

• Proverbs 1:8–9 — “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction…”

• Ephesians 6:1–3 — Paul reaffirms the command with promise.

• Colossians 3:20 — “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.”

Through the lens of Genesis 34:18, we see that honoring parents is more than a later Mosaic command; it is a timeless principle embedded in God’s design for family order.