John Calvin Commentary Genesis 34:21

"These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for, behold, the land is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters." — Genesis 34:21 (ASV)

These men are peaceable. Moses describes the method by which they persuaded the Shechemites to accept the conditions that the sons of Jacob had imposed. It was difficult to persuade a whole people to submit in a matter of such importance to a few foreigners. For we know what displeasure a change of religion causes; but Hamor and Shechem argue from usefulness, and this is a natural form of rhetoric.

For although honor has a more convincing appearance, it is usually ineffective in persuasion. But among the common people, usefulness wins almost every argument, because the majority eagerly pursues what it considers beneficial for itself. With this design, Hamor and Shechem praise highly the family of Jacob for their honesty and peaceful ways, so that the Shechemites might consider it useful for themselves to receive such guests.

They add that the land is large enough, so that the original inhabitants need not fear any loss. They then list other advantages; meanwhile, they cunningly conceal the private and real cause of their request. Therefore, it follows that all these excuses were deceptive. But it is a very common failing that influential people with great authority, while making everything serve their own private purposes, pretend to be considerate of the common good and claim to desire the public advantage.

And, indeed, it may be believed that the people spoken of here were the best among all the people and were endowed with exceptional qualities; for the Shechemites had chosen Hamor for their prince, as one who was outstanding in excellent gifts. Yet we see how he and his son lie and deceive, under the appearance of righteousness.

From this we also perceive hypocrisy to be so deeply rooted in human minds that it is a miracle to find anyone entirely free from it, especially where private benefit is involved. From this example, let all who govern learn to cultivate sincerity in public affairs, without any ulterior motives concerning their own interests.

On the other hand, let the people exercise self-government, so that they do not too eagerly seek their own advantage, because it will often happen that they are caught by a deceptive appearance of good, as fish are by the hook. For as self-love is blind, we are drawn without good judgment to the hope of gain.

And the Lord also justly chastises this greed, to which He sees us to be excessively inclined, when He allows us to be deceived by it. Moses says that this discourse took place in the gate of the city, where public assemblies were then customarily held and justice was administered.