Genesis 34:20 - Deceptive diplomacy before tragedy?

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 34:20) describes Ḥamor and Shekhem approaching the city gate to address the men of their city after the incident involving Dinah. The city gate was the traditional place for public discourse and legal matters in ancient times, as seen throughout Tanakh (e.g., Devarim 21:19, Ruth 4:1).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi notes that Ḥamor and Shekhem came to the gate because it was the place where all the city's inhabitants would gather for public affairs. He emphasizes that they sought to persuade the men of the city to agree to circumcision, which was a precondition set by Yaakov's sons for the proposed marriage between Shekhem and Dinah.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra observes that the verse highlights the leadership role of Ḥamor as the city's prince (as mentioned in Bereshit 34:2). By speaking at the gate, he was exercising his authority in a formal setting where legal and communal decisions were made.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 80:7) comments on the phrase "the men of their city," noting that Ḥamor and Shekhem specifically addressed the male citizens because:

• They were the decision-makers in matters of communal policy
• The proposal involved all males undergoing circumcision
• Women and children would naturally follow the men's decision in such matters

Legal Significance of the City Gate

Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:3) later codifies the importance of city gates as places of judgment, based on numerous biblical precedents. This verse demonstrates how even Canaanite cities followed this protocol for important communal decisions.

Narrative Structure

Commentators note that the Torah's detailed description of this public appeal serves to:

• Show the seriousness with which Ḥamor and Shekhem took the proposal
• Highlight the public nature of the agreement they sought to make
• Set the stage for the subsequent actions of Shimon and Levi