Topical Encyclopedia Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, is a significant yet enigmatic figure in the biblical narrative. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 30:21 and Genesis 34. As the only recorded daughter of Jacob, Dinah's life provides insight into the familial and societal dynamics of the patriarchal period.Birth and Family Context Dinah was born to Jacob and Leah after Leah had already borne Jacob several sons. Genesis 30:21 states, "After that, Leah gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah." Her birth is mentioned briefly, yet it sets the stage for the events that follow in Genesis 34. Dinah's presence in the family highlights the complex relationships between Jacob's wives and children, as Leah was often in competition with her sister Rachel for Jacob's affection. The Incident at Shechem The most detailed account of Dinah's life is found in Genesis 34, which describes a troubling episode involving her and the city of Shechem. Dinah went out "to visit the daughters of the land" (Genesis 34:1), an action that led to her being noticed by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, a local prince. Shechem "took her and lay with her by force" (Genesis 34:2), an act that sparked a series of consequential events. Shechem's desire for Dinah led him to speak to his father, Hamor, requesting that he arrange a marriage between them. Hamor approached Jacob and his sons with the proposal, offering intermarriage and trade between their peoples. However, Jacob's sons, particularly Simeon and Levi, were incensed by the violation of their sister and devised a plan for retribution. The Response of Simeon and Levi Simeon and Levi, Dinah's full brothers, responded with deceit and violence. They agreed to the marriage on the condition that all the men of Shechem be circumcised. Hamor and Shechem consented, convincing the men of their city to undergo the procedure. On the third day, when the men were in pain, Simeon and Levi attacked the city, killing all the males, including Hamor and Shechem, and rescuing Dinah from Shechem's house (Genesis 34:25-26). The actions of Simeon and Levi were met with disapproval from Jacob, who feared retaliation from the surrounding Canaanite tribes. He rebuked them, saying, "You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the inhabitants of the land" (Genesis 34:30). Despite Jacob's concerns, the narrative does not record any immediate repercussions from the surrounding peoples. Legacy and Significance Dinah's account is a complex narrative that raises questions about justice, family honor, and the treatment of women in ancient times. Her experience and the subsequent actions of her brothers highlight the tensions between personal and communal ethics. Dinah's life, though not extensively detailed in the biblical text, serves as a catalyst for significant events in the history of Jacob's family. While Dinah herself does not speak in the biblical account, her account has been the subject of much interpretation and discussion throughout history. Her narrative underscores the vulnerability of women in patriarchal societies and the lengths to which her brothers went to defend her honor. Dinah's account remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by women in biblical times and the enduring complexities of familial relationships. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 30:21And afterwards she bore a daughter, and called her name Dinah. Nave's Topical Index Library Laban had Two Daughters, Leah and Rachel; but Leah had Tender Eyes ... Israel, Therefore, Avoiding the House of his Brother, Sent Forward ... Chapter xxxiv Chapter xxx Chapter xlvi Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren Some General Matters and Some Biblical Characters. The Bible Book ... The Book of Jubilees Chapter xlix Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Resources Who was Leah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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