Hamor, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is primarily known as the father of Shechem and a Hivite prince in the land of Canaan. His account is intricately tied to the narrative of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, as recorded in Genesis 34.

Background and Context

Hamor's introduction in the biblical narrative occurs in Genesis 34, where his son Shechem becomes infatuated with Dinah. Shechem's actions set off a chain of events that lead to a tragic and violent outcome. The text states, "Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land. When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force" (Genesis 34:1-2).

Negotiations and Deception

Following the incident, Shechem expresses a desire to marry Dinah, and Hamor approaches Jacob to negotiate a marriage alliance. Hamor proposes a union between the families, suggesting that such an alliance would be mutually beneficial. He says, "The soul of 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" (Genesis 34:8-9).

Jacob's sons, however, are incensed by the violation of their sister and devise a deceitful plan. They agree to the marriage on the condition that all the males in Hamor's city be circumcised. Hamor and Shechem, eager to secure the marriage, agree to this condition and convince the men of their city to comply.

The Massacre

On the third day after the circumcision, when the men of the city are in pain and unable to defend themselves, Simeon and Levi, two of Dinah's brothers, take their swords and attack the city. The Bible records, "On the third day, when they 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 from Shechem’s house, and went away" (Genesis 34:25-26).

Aftermath and Legacy

The actions of Simeon and Levi bring about a severe response from Jacob, who fears retribution from the surrounding Canaanite and Perizzite communities. Jacob rebukes his sons, saying, "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" (Genesis 34:30).

Hamor's account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin, deception, and vengeance. His death, along with the massacre of his people, underscores the complexities of human relationships and the devastating impact of unchecked anger and retribution. The narrative of Hamor and Shechem is a somber reminder of the importance of justice, mercy, and the pursuit of peace in accordance with God's will.Genesis 34:26
And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.
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Genesis 49:6
O my soul, come not you into their secret; to their assembly, my honor, be not you united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they dig down a wall.
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Who was Dinah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Simeon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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