Gen 34:18 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 34:18-24: The Shechemites Agree to Circumcision In this passage, Hamor and Shechem agree to be circumcised so that Shechem can marry Dinah, Jacob's daughter. They also persuade the men of their city to do the same. Their motivation includes both a strong desire to make this marriage happen and possibly some respect for the religious meaning of circumcision in Abraham's family. They hope that joining with Jacob's family will bring them benefits and prosperity. This shows that people may sometimes join with those who are religious, even if they do not fully understand the faith (Zech. 8:23 ). The passage also warns against accepting religious practices for selfish reasons, like gaining wealth or status. v. 18-19 : Hamor and Shechem are quick to agree to be circumcised. They do this mainly because they want Shechem to marry Dinah, but they might also respect the religious meaning of circumcision among Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 34:18-19 ). Some people, even if they know little about religion, are willing to join religious people for personal reasons. If Shechem is so eager to take on a religious mark to get a good wife, we should be even more eager to follow God sincerely and "circumcise our hearts" (see Deuteronomy 10:16 ).

‏ Genesis 34:18

Genesis 34:18-24: The Shechemites Agree to Circumcision

In this passage, Hamor and Shechem agree to be circumcised so that Shechem can marry Dinah, Jacob's daughter. They also persuade the men of their city to do the same. Their motivation includes both a strong desire to make this marriage happen and possibly some respect for the religious meaning of circumcision in Abraham's family. They hope that joining with Jacob's family will bring them benefits and prosperity. This shows that people may sometimes join with those who are religious, even if they do not fully understand the faith (Zech. 8:23 ^a). The passage also warns against accepting religious practices for selfish reasons, like gaining wealth or status.

v. 18-19: Hamor and Shechem are quick to agree to be circumcised. They do this mainly because they want Shechem to marry Dinah, but they might also respect the religious meaning of circumcision among Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 34:18-19 ^b). Some people, even if they know little about religion, are willing to join religious people for personal reasons. If Shechem is so eager to take on a religious mark to get a good wife, we should be even more eager to follow God sincerely and "circumcise our hearts" (see Deuteronomy 10:16 ^c).