John Calvin Commentary Genesis 34:8

"And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you, give her unto him to wife." — Genesis 34:8 (ASV)

And Hamor communed with them.

Although the sons of Jacob were justly angered, their indignation should have been calmed, or at least somewhat lessened, by Hamor's great courtesy. And if Hamor's humane approach could not reconcile the sons of Jacob to Shechem, the old man himself was indeed worthy of a kind reception.

We see what fair conditions he offers; he himself was the prince of the city, while the sons of Jacob were foreigners. Therefore, their minds must have been exceptionally cruel, not to be inclined to leniency.

Besides, Shechem's own humble plea deserved that they should have granted forgiveness to his passionate love. Therefore, that they remained unforgiving is a sign of extremely cruel pride. What would they have done to enemies who had intentionally harmed them, when they are not moved by the prayers of one who, deceived by blind love and by the error of his lack of self-control, injured them without any malicious intent?