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"These men are peaceful with us. Therefore let them live in the land and trade in it. 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.

Verse Takeaways

1

The Politics of Self-Interest

Commentators like John Calvin explain that Hamor and Shechem's speech is a classic example of political manipulation. They appeal to the people's desire for peace, space, and wealth ('usefulness') to achieve their private goal of securing Dinah for Shechem. This serves as a warning against leaders who mask personal agendas with claims of public benefit and against people who are easily swayed by the promise of material gain.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

Genesis

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Commentaries

6

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Genesis 34:1–31

18th Century

Theologian

This chapter records the rape of Dinah and the revenge of her brothers.

(Genesis 34:1–5)

Dinah went out to see the daught…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Genesis 34:1–31

19th Century

Bishop

THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29).

THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Genesis 34:21

16th Century

Theologian

These men are peaceable. Moses describes the method by which they persuaded the Shechemites to accept the conditions that the sons of Jaco…

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John Gill

John Gill

On Genesis 34:21

17th Century

Pastor

These men [are] peaceable with us Meaning Jacob and his sons, pointing to their tents which were near their city; and no …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Genesis 34:20–31

17th Century

Minister

The Shechemites submitted to the sacred rite only to serve their own ends, to please their prince, and to enrich themselves; and God was just in br…