Topical Bible: Dishonesty: Simeon and Levi Deceive the Shechemites

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The account of Simeon and Levi's deception of the Shechemites is a significant narrative found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 34. This account highlights themes of dishonesty, vengeance, and the consequences of deceitful actions.

Context and Background

The events unfold after Jacob and his family settle near the city of Shechem. Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, goes out to visit the women of the land. She is seen by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, who is the prince of the region. Shechem takes Dinah and violates her, an act that deeply offends and angers her brothers.

The Deceptive Plan

When Jacob hears of the defilement of his daughter, he remains silent until his sons return from the fields. Upon learning of the incident, Simeon and Levi, full brothers of Dinah, are particularly incensed. Shechem, desiring to marry Dinah, approaches Jacob and his sons with his father Hamor to negotiate a marriage arrangement.

Simeon and Levi craft a deceitful plan under the guise of a peaceful agreement. They tell Shechem and Hamor that they cannot give their sister to an uncircumcised man, as it would be a disgrace to them. They propose that if all the males in Shechem agree to be circumcised, they will consent to the marriage and intermarry with the Shechemites.

Genesis 34:13-14 states, "But Jacob’s sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah. They said to them, 'We cannot do such a thing; to give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us.'"

The Massacre

Hamor and Shechem agree to the terms, and Shechem, being delighted with the prospect of marrying Dinah, does not delay in fulfilling the requirement. He and all the men of the city undergo circumcision. On the third day, when the men are in pain and unable to defend themselves, Simeon and Levi take their swords and attack the unsuspecting city. They kill all the males, including Hamor and Shechem, and rescue Dinah from Shechem's house.

Genesis 34:25-26 recounts, "Three days later, while all the men were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords, came upon the unsuspecting city, and killed every male. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away."

Aftermath and Consequences

The actions of Simeon and Levi bring severe consequences. Jacob, their father, is deeply troubled by their deceit and violence, fearing retaliation from the surrounding Canaanite and Perizzite communities. He rebukes them for endangering the family, saying in Genesis 34:30 , "You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed."

The deceit and violence of Simeon and Levi are later addressed in Jacob's final blessings to his sons. In Genesis 49:5-7 , Jacob condemns their anger and cruelty, saying, "Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. Let me not enter their council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased. Cursed be their anger, so fierce, and their fury, so cruel! I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel."

Moral and Theological Implications

The account of Simeon and Levi's deceit serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of dishonesty and vengeance. It underscores the importance of integrity and the potential for deceit to lead to violence and further sin. The narrative also reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

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Genesis 34:15-31
But in this will we consent to you: If you will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;
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Library

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... Young Simeon and Levi must needs avenge their sister Dinah, and slay ... He began habits
of falsehood and dishonesty in little things, and they grew upon him. ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm