Genesis 34:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Jacob became aware of the events that had unfolded, and for the moment, he accepted the situation with humility, anticipating the return of Dinah's brothers, who were looking after the sheep. It is noted that Jacob remained quiet until they arrived.

Who is more discerning than St. James, who beheld God directly and received His blessing? Who is more just than he who generously shared his gifts with a brother? Who is braver than the one who struggled with God Himself? Who exemplifies greater self-control than the one who consistently practiced restraint, choosing to conceal the offense done to his daughter through marriage rather than retaliate, believing that while among unfamiliar faces, it was wiser to seek love rather than foster animosity?

James held his peace until their arrival. The elder was unable to act independently, and it appears that the practice at that time was to assign responsibility for the sisters to the brothers.