Shechem

Lore & Background

Shechem is introduced as the son of Hamor the Hivite, a prince of the land (Genesis 34:2). After seeing Jacob’s daughter Dinah, he took her, lay with her, and defiled her (Genesis 34:2). He then spoke to his father, saying, 'Get me this damsel to wife' (Genesis 34:4). Hamor went to Jacob to negotiate, and Shechem himself offered to give whatever was asked to find grace in their eyes (Genesis 34:11). The sons of Jacob answered deceitfully because Shechem had defiled their sister, demanding that all males of the city be circumcised (Genesis 34:13). Shechem and Hamor agreed, and the men of the city were circumcised (Genesis 34:18, Genesis 34:24). On the third day, while the men were sore, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, slew Hamor and Shechem with the sword, took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and departed (Genesis 34:26).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Shechem as a figure of impulsive desire and tragic consequence. He is first seen as a prince who acts violently against Dinah, taking and defiling her (Genesis 34:2). His subsequent attempt to rectify this through marriage shows a desire for legitimacy, but his actions are met with deceit by Jacob’s sons (Genesis 34:13). Shechem’s willingness to undergo circumcision and persuade his city to do the same demonstrates his earnestness, yet it leads to his death (Genesis 34:24, Genesis 34:26). The narrative does not judge Shechem’s character directly but presents his actions as the catalyst for a violent retaliation. The city of Shechem also appears as a location where Jacob bought land (Genesis 33:19), where Joseph’s brothers fed flocks (Genesis 37:12), and where Jacob hid foreign gods under an oak (Genesis 35:4).

Did You Know?

• Shechem was the son of Hamor the Hivite, a prince of the country (Genesis 34:2).
• He defiled Dinah, then asked his father to get her for him as a wife (Genesis 34:2, Genesis 34:4).
• Shechem and his father Hamor were both slain with the sword by Jacob's sons (Genesis 34:26).
• The city of Shechem is where Jacob bought a field and pitched his tent (Genesis 33:18-19).