Genesis 34:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the nature of youthful wickedness when it is not governed by a godly heart. The moment he beheld the young woman, he spoke, and in an instant, he was consumed by desire and satisfied his passions.

The young woman left, and Shechem, the son of Hamor, committed a grievous act against her. He took away her purity, and being consumed by uncontrolled desire, he sought to make her his wife.

Jacob settled in Shechem, and he witnessed the events unfolding involving Shechem, the son of Hamor, and Dinah, Jacob's daughter. The intention was to engage in interaction and to subject her to humiliation.

Similarly, Dinah, the daughter of the notable Jacob, if she had not mingled with the daughters of the land, that is, indulged in sensual desires, would not have been violated and degraded by Shechem, the son of Emmor. The name Shechem can be understood as 'back,' while Yemmor translates to 'donkey,' representative of the physical body. The 'back,' or Shechem, refers to the posterior aspect, contrasting the anterior law of Emmor, which pertains to the body; it is a secondary rather than primary relation to it. Initially, prior to the transgression of God’s command, this human body, represented by Emmor, was free of the law of sin—symbolized by Shechem—but following the transgression, this law of sin was introduced to the body.

The story of Dinah in Shechem, along with the retribution sought by Simeon and Levi, might be events some prefer to overlook in the sacred narrative. However, the Holy Spirit, who inspired the writer, deemed these accounts worthy of inclusion. These incidents provide important context for Jacob's final prophecy, which carries significant weight and reveals the fate of the entire chosen lineage. They instruct us on the importance of enduring patience amidst the most intense external trials and tribulations, reminding us that even those under divine protection, such as Jacob, are not exempt from adversity.