Genesis 34:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When Simeon and Levi learned of these events, they resolved to act on their plan. It is recorded that each man took his sword and courageously launched an assault on the city. What does it imply that they “courageously launched an assault”? Despite confronting a vast number of enemies two by two, they were remarkably safe as they all appeared as if they were battered and incapacitated. To elucidate this, sacred Scripture notes: “on the third day, when they were in sickness.” This situation granted protection to Simeon and Levi, empowering them to be mightier than many. They proceeded to slay all the males, that is, every man who lay incapacitated due to the condition of circumcision, already rendered vulnerable for slaughter.

On that day, when the people of Shechem were in distress, the warriors of Shechem were struck down by the sword, their wives were taken away as captives, and their belongings were seized.

In contrast to the Greek term ἀσϕαλῶς, meaning ‘cautiously,’ the Hebrew scripture employs the term bete (בֶּ֑טַח), which conveys the meanings of ‘boldly’ and ‘confidently.’

On the third day. Aben-Ezra notes that the pain associated with circumcision is typically most acute on this day. The two sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, along with others, take a prominent role in the matters concerning Dinah, acting not only as brothers-in-law but also in some capacity as leaders. However, this does not preclude the involvement of servants, which is essential to their undertaking.