Genesis 34:4 – “And Shechem said to his father Hamor, ‘Get me this girl as my wife.'”
Extended Explanation
Genesis 34:4 reveals Shechem’s desire to marry Dinah after he has already committed a grievous sin against her. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions in a righteous way, Shechem demands that his father, Hamor, arrange for Dinah to be his wife. This verse shows Shechem’s impulsiveness and his attempt to resolve the situation through marriage, which was not uncommon in ancient times as a way to cover up or make amends for wrongdoing. However, his approach is problematic, as it comes from a place of entitlement and self-interest rather than genuine repentance or love.
Historical Context
In the ancient Near Eastern context, marriages were often arranged by families, and the desires of the individuals involved were sometimes secondary to social, political, or economic considerations. Shechem’s demand reflects the social norms of the time, where powerful men could often exert influence to get what they wanted. However, this situation is complicated by the fact that Shechem has already violated Dinah. His demand for marriage can be seen as an attempt to legitimize his actions and avoid the consequences, rather than an expression of genuine commitment or respect for Dinah.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse challenges us to think about the nature of marriage and the importance of treating it with the respect and seriousness it deserves. Marriage is intended by God to be a sacred union, entered into with love, mutual respect, and commitment. Shechem’s approach, driven by selfishness and a desire to fix his wrongdoing on his terms, distorts this divine intention. This verse also raises questions about justice and how we should respond when we have wronged others. True repentance involves more than just trying to cover up our mistakes; it requires a heart change and a willingness to seek God’s way of making things right.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Genesis 34:4 continues to build the tension in the narrative. Shechem’s demand is abrupt and reflects his character—a man of power who expects to get what he wants, even after committing a serious wrong. The directness of his command to his father emphasizes his sense of entitlement and his lack of awareness or concern for the gravity of his actions. This verse, therefore, serves to highlight the moral and ethical issues at play and sets the stage for the conflict that will arise between Shechem’s family and Jacob’s family.
Biblical Cross-References
A relevant cross-reference is found in 1 Samuel 25, where Nabal refuses to show kindness to David, and David is prepared to take revenge until Abigail intervenes with wisdom and humility. Unlike Shechem, Abigail shows a proper understanding of justice and reconciliation. Another cross-reference is Deuteronomy 22:28-29, which discusses the law concerning a man who violates a woman and the consequences, including the requirement to marry her without the option of divorce, highlighting the seriousness of such actions.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Genesis 34:4 serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching relationships, especially marriage, with the right heart and motives. It warns against using marriage or any other relationship as a means to cover up sin or to satisfy selfish desires. This verse challenges us to seek God’s guidance in how we treat others, especially in situations where we have wronged them. It also underscores the need for genuine repentance and the pursuit of justice and reconciliation according to God’s standards, rather than our own.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Even in the midst of this troubling situation, we see the contrast between human selfishness and God’s love. God’s love is selfless, seeking the good of others, while Shechem’s actions are driven by self-interest. This verse reminds us that God’s love calls us to a higher standard of behavior, one that values others and seeks to honor Him in all our relationships. God’s love also involves justice, ensuring that wrongs are addressed in a way that aligns with His righteousness and truth.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Shechem’s actions highlight the brokenness of human nature, a brokenness that Jesus came to heal. While Shechem sought to cover up his sin through marriage, Jesus offers true redemption through His sacrificial love on the cross. Jesus’ life and ministry demonstrated a perfect example of love, justice, and reconciliation, qualities that are lacking in Shechem’s actions. Through Jesus, we see how true love leads to genuine repentance, forgiveness, and the restoration of relationships. As 1 John 4:10 reminds us, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Jesus provides the ultimate example of how to respond to sin—with love, justice, and a heart for reconciliation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Shechem’s approach to marriage challenge our understanding of what true love and commitment should look like?
- What steps can we take to ensure that our relationships are built on genuine love and respect, rather than selfish desires?
- How does God’s love challenge us to treat others with justice and righteousness, especially when we have wronged them?
- In what ways does the life and sacrifice of Jesus offer a model for dealing with sin and broken relationships?
- How can we seek God’s guidance in situations where we need to make things right with others?
This verse, while depicting a troubling situation, serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine love, repentance, and seeking God’s guidance in all our relationships.