Topical Encyclopedia Hamor, also referred to as Emmor in some translations, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative concerning the patriarch Jacob and his family. Hamor was a Hivite, a group of people who lived in the land of Canaan during the time of the patriarchs. He is best known as the father of Shechem, a central character in the events described in Genesis 34.Biblical Account The primary account involving Hamor is found in Genesis 34. In this chapter, Hamor's son, Shechem, becomes infatuated with Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. Shechem takes Dinah and violates her, which leads to a series of events that involve both Hamor and the sons of Jacob. Upon learning of his son's actions, Hamor approaches Jacob to negotiate a marriage between Shechem and Dinah. Hamor's proposal is not only for the marriage but also for a broader alliance between the two families. He suggests that the Israelites and the Hivites intermarry and live together in the land, sharing its resources. Genesis 34:8-10 records Hamor's words: "But Hamor said to them, 'My son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife. Intermarry with us; give us your daughters, and take our daughters for yourselves. You may settle among us, and the land will be open to you. Live in it, trade in it, and acquire property in it.'" The sons of Jacob, however, are deeply offended by the violation of their sister and deceitfully agree to the marriage on the condition that all the males in Hamor's city be circumcised. Hamor and Shechem agree to this condition, and they persuade the men of their city to undergo circumcision. The Aftermath The agreement leads to a tragic outcome. While the men of the city are still in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi, two of Dinah's brothers, attack the city, killing all the males, including Hamor and Shechem. They take Dinah from Shechem's house and plunder the city. This act of vengeance is recorded in Genesis 34:25-26 : "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." Legacy and Significance Hamor's account is a complex narrative that highlights themes of honor, revenge, and the consequences of sin. The actions of his son Shechem and the subsequent response by Jacob's sons illustrate the tensions between the Israelites and the surrounding Canaanite peoples. Hamor's attempt to forge an alliance through marriage reflects the common practice of using marriage as a means of political and social integration in the ancient Near East. The account of Hamor and Shechem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of intermingling with the surrounding nations, a recurring theme in the history of Israel. It also underscores the importance of family honor and the lengths to which individuals might go to defend it. The narrative leaves a lasting impression on the reader about the complexities of human relationships and the moral challenges faced by the patriarchs and their descendants. Nave's Topical Index Acts 7:16And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulcher that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. Nave's Topical Index Library Appendix D. Letter Lvii. To Pammachius on the Best Method of Translating. Resources Who was Dinah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Simeon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |