Topical Encyclopedia Hamor is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative concerning Jacob and his family. He is introduced in the Book of Genesis as a Hivite prince and the father of Shechem, who plays a pivotal role in the events surrounding the city of Shechem.Biblical Account The account of Jacob's interaction with Hamor is found in Genesis 33 and 34. After Jacob's reconciliation with his brother Esau, he travels to the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan. It is here that Jacob seeks to establish a more permanent dwelling for his family. Genesis 33:18-19 states, "After Jacob had come from Paddan-aram, he arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped just outside the city. And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver." This transaction is significant as it marks Jacob's first acquisition of land in Canaan, the land promised to his grandfather Abraham by God. The purchase of this land from Hamor's sons indicates a peaceful and formal agreement, highlighting Jacob's intention to settle and establish roots in the Promised Land. Cultural and Historical Context Hamor, as a Hivite prince, represents the indigenous Canaanite population that inhabited the land prior to the Israelite settlement. The Hivites were one of the many Canaanite tribes mentioned in the Bible, and their interactions with the patriarchs often involved complex social and political dynamics. The purchase of land from Hamor's family is a reflection of the customary practices of the time, where land transactions were often conducted with local leaders or influential families. This transaction underscores the importance of legal and recognized agreements in ancient Near Eastern culture, even among different ethnic and tribal groups. Subsequent Events The narrative involving Hamor takes a darker turn in Genesis 34, where his son Shechem defiles Dinah, Jacob's daughter. Shechem's desire to marry Dinah leads Hamor to negotiate with Jacob and his sons for her hand in marriage. Genesis 34:8 records Hamor's appeal: "But Hamor said to them, 'My son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as his wife.'" The subsequent deceit and violence perpetrated by Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, against Hamor, Shechem, and the men of the city, result in the massacre of the male inhabitants of Shechem. This act of vengeance is condemned later in Genesis 49:5-7, where Jacob rebukes Simeon and Levi for their cruelty. Theological Implications The account of Hamor and the purchase of land by Jacob is a testament to God's unfolding promise to the patriarchs. Despite the moral complexities and human failings evident in the narrative, the acquisition of land in Canaan by Jacob signifies a step towards the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. The interactions with Hamor and the subsequent events also serve as a reminder of the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by God's people as they navigate life in a fallen world. Hamor's role in the biblical narrative, though brief, is integral to understanding the broader context of Jacob's journey and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 33:19And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 24:32 Judges 9:28 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 |
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