How does Genesis 34:18 reveal Shechem's influence over his father, Hamor? Verse in Focus Genesis 34:18: “Their words seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem.” Setting the Scene - Shechem has already violated Dinah (v. 2) and pleaded with his father, “Get me this girl as a wife” (v. 4). - Hamor leads the negotiations with Jacob’s sons, but Shechem stands beside him, speaking up (v. 11). Signs of Influence - Joint Approval: Father and son are named together—Hamor’s decision is tied to Shechem’s satisfaction. - Peer-Level Voice: In a patriarchal culture the son’s opinion normally followed the father’s, yet the text treats them as equals. - Radical Concession: Agreeing that every male be circumcised (v. 15) shows Hamor’s willingness to meet an extreme demand to please Shechem. - Eagerness Reinforced: Verse 19 notes Shechem’s quick compliance; Hamor accommodates that urgency instead of restraining it. - Public Advocacy: Hamor soon persuades the city’s men (vv. 20-24), effectively making his son’s private passion a civic agenda. Larger Biblical Pattern - Similar sway is seen in Samson with his parents (Judges 14:2-3) and Absalom with David (2 Samuel 13:24-27). Scripture repeatedly warns of parents bending to a determined child. Lessons for Today - Intense personal desire can steer family leaders into unwise agreements. - Parental authority must anchor in God’s standards, not in a child’s demands (Proverbs 29:17). - Yielding to ungodly pressure brings costly fallout; in Genesis 34 the entire city soon pays the price (vv. 25-29). |
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