Page:A critical and exegetical commentary on Genesis (1910).djvu/519

 —The Outrage on Dinah.

Two narratives are here combined:

I. Shechem, son of Ḥamor, the native princeling, falls in love with Dinah, the daughter of Leah, abducts her, and keeps her in his house ($1-3$ ; cf. $1-3$). He asks her in marriage from her father and brothers, offering to accept any conditions they may impose ($5. 7$). They raise an objection on the score of circumcision ($1-3$), but eventually consent on terms not expressed in this recension. Shechem complies with the condition, whatever it was ($3a$). Simeon and Levi, however, decide that the insult can only be wiped out by blood; they gain access to Shechem's house, slay him, and depart with their sister ($2b$) Their father, fearing an uprising of the country against him, reproves them for their rash act, which they proudly justify ($1. 2a$).—The conclusion is lost.

II. Shechem dishonours Dinah, but lets her return to her family ($2b$[A]; cf. $3bundefined$); but continuing to love her, he appeals to Ḥamor to arrange a marriage ($3a$). Ḥamor comes to speak to Jacob ($2b$), and finds him and his sons together ($3bundefined$). He proposes not only a marriage between Shechem and Dinah, but a general connubium which would legalise all such unions in the future ($5$). Jacob's sons agree, on condition that all the clan be circumcised ($7$). Ḥamor proceeds to the gate of the city, and persuades his people to undergo the operation ($6$). While the fever is on them, the sons of Jacob rush the city, kill all the males, capture the women and children, and carry off the spoil ($8$).—The sequel is perhaps summarised in 35$13a$.

This rough analysis[A] rests mainly on the material incongruities of the narrative, viz.: (a) In II., after the seduction Dinah is still in the hands of her relatives, $13b. 18b$; but in I. she is in Shechem's house and has to be rescued by force, $20a$. (b) The negotiations are conducted by Ḥămôr alone, $20b$ (II.); but in $24$ (I.) Shechem is abruptly introduced pleading his own cause. (c) Shechem has already fulfilled the compact, $24$ (I.), before the people of the city are consulted, $26a$ (II.). (d) Simeon and Levi alone avenge the outrage, and are alone held responsible for the