Genesis 32:13 — 34:31
Dinah’s rape. Some scholars suggest that it wasn’t an actual rape, but an inappropriate fraternization that offended the culture in which Jacob’s family lived. The fact that the Israelites have strict rules about intermarriage in later centuries can lead one to see that overfamiliarity may be all it takes for the outrage in this passage. Our modern sensibilities tend to allow only sexual aggression to be the catalyst for such a violent and premeditated response.
Either way, I am struck with the violence — again — and wonder what larger purpose this story serves. Since I am way sleepy today (first day back to school after a long weekend), I am not going to pursue this anymore today. I just don’t have the computing capacity. I may return to it later….
The image above is an engraving by Hoet, Gerard (Dutch painter and draftsman, 1648-1733). It portrays Simeon and Levi slaying Hamos and Schechem.
