What is the meaning of Genesis 34:31? But they replied, • This clause catches the immediate tension between Jacob and his sons. Jacob feared retribution from the Canaanites (Genesis 34:30), but “they replied,” showing they were unwavering in their conviction. • Earlier that same day, those sons “answered deceitfully” (Genesis 34:13), revealing a consistent pattern: when they speak, passion overrides restraint. • Jacob had challenged their actions, yet their instant answer reveals an unyielding moral outrage, reminiscent of Moses defending a fellow Hebrew (Exodus 2:11–12) or Peter drawing his sword in Gethsemane (John 18:10–11). “Should he have treated our sister • Calling Dinah “our sister” personalizes the offense. They speak as protectors of covenant family honor (compare 2 Samuel 13:20–22 where Absalom broods over Tamar’s violation). • “Our” signals corporate responsibility. In God’s design, family solidarity demands safeguarding the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 22:28–29; Psalm 82:3). • By framing it as a question, they shift the focus: the real issue is not their violence but Shechem’s sin. This is similar to David’s rhetorical questions when confronting Goliath’s insult to Israel (1 Samuel 17:26). like a prostitute?” • The term exposes the depth of dishonor. Treating Dinah “like a prostitute” meant stripping her of dignity and covenant purity (Leviticus 19:29). • Sexual exploitation in Scripture is never trivial: “A man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself” (Proverbs 6:32–35). • Their words reveal a correct instinct—sexual sin is grievous (1 Corinthians 6:15–18)—yet their later massacre shows how righteous anger can morph into unrighteous vengeance (Romans 12:19). • The contrast is clear: Shechem’s act violated God’s order; their reply underscores that such treatment is intolerable among God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:17). summary Genesis 34:31 records Simeon and Levi’s terse defense: they could not accept Dinah’s violation being brushed aside. Their reply rightly identifies Shechem’s sin—reducing their sister to the status of a prostitute—but also exposes their own hearts, hot with indignation that soon overflows into excess. The verse reminds us that protecting the innocent is noble, yet true righteousness refuses to answer one sin with another. |
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