Genesis

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NASB	Genesis 34:31 But they said, "Should he treat our sister as a harlot?"
AMPLIFIED 2015 2015	Genesis 34:31 But they said, "Should he [be permitted to] treat our sister as a prostitute?"

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Bible Question (short): Rape, Circumcission, Slaughter.

Question (full): How do we understand the ethical tangle in this chapter?

This chapter of Genesis is a compelling and strange tale. First, Shechem has sex with Dinah "by force." It would be nice to have Dinah's perspective, but we are not shown. I wonder if she was raped (as I first thought) or if the "force" is that they didn't seek Jacob's approval before having sex? It seems that Shechem has significant love for Dinah later in the story, as he is willing to give anything to marry her (including adult circumcission -- ouch!).

Once all the males are circumcized, the 2 brothers go and slaughter the weakened men. Is this retributive justice? Or should it be seen as going against their word (the agreement that Dinah could marry Shechem if the males were circumsized) ?

Jacob takes a stand against the slaughter of the men --- but does so for political rather than moral reasons (verse 30).

So, am I right in thinking that all parties have "fallen short of the glory of God"? When I see the intensity of Shechem's offer to do anything to marry Dinah, I can't help thinking there was an opportunity for grace in a way that would glorify God.

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Genesis

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