Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is happening in Genesis 34:28?
A: In Genesis 34:28, the sons of Jacob (Shimon and Levi) take revenge on the city of Shechem after the prince of Shechem, also named Shechem, dishonored their sister Dinah. They seized the city's livestock (sheep, oxen, donkeys) and plundered both the city and the fields.
Q: Why did Shimon and Levi take the animals and possessions in this verse?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, Shimon and Levi took the animals and possessions as part of their retaliation against Shechem for the violation of their sister Dinah. Their actions were driven by a sense of justice for their family’s honor, though Jacob later criticizes their impulsive violence (Genesis 34:30; 49:5-7).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 34:28?
A: This verse teaches the consequences of acting out of anger and taking justice into one’s own hands without proper deliberation. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a) and Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) emphasize the importance of measured responses and seeking guidance before acting on strong emotions.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish law (Halacha)?
A: Jewish law, as discussed in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 72a) and Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 1:7-9), permits self-defense and protecting one’s family from harm. However, the excessive retaliation by Shimon and Levi serves as a cautionary example about the limits of justified force.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the specific animals taken (sheep, oxen, donkeys)?
A: The Torah specifies these animals because they were the primary livestock in ancient times, representing wealth and sustenance. Rashi notes that the inclusion of 'what was in the city and the field' emphasizes the completeness of the plunder, showing the extent of their retaliation.
Context in the Torah
This verse (Exodus 10:26) appears in the narrative of the Exodus, where Moshe insists to Pharaoh that Bnei Yisrael must take all their livestock to serve Hashem in the wilderness. Pharaoh had previously attempted to negotiate, allowing only the men to go (Exodus 10:11), but Moshe maintains that every animal is necessary for Divine service.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Exodus 10:26) emphasizes that the phrase "וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר־בָּעִיר וְאֶת־אֲשֶׁר בַּשָּׂדֶה" ("that which was in the city, and that which was in the field") refers to all property—not just livestock. He explains that the Egyptians had hidden some of Bnei Yisrael's possessions in their homes and fields, but Hashem ensured that everything was returned before the Exodus, fulfilling the promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:14) that they would leave with great wealth.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra notes that the verse lists specific animals (sheep, oxen, and donkeys) because these were essential for sacrifices (sheep and oxen) and transportation (donkeys). The broader phrasing ("that which was in the city/field") includes other valuables, showing that Bnei Yisrael reclaimed everything owed to them after years of unpaid labor.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 13:7) highlights that the Egyptians initially resisted returning the Israelites' property, but Hashem compelled them through the plague of darkness. During this plague, Bnei Yisrael could locate their hidden belongings, ensuring they left with full compensation for their servitude.
Halachic Significance (Rambam)
Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah 1:1) derives from this verse that returning stolen property is a fundamental mitzvah. The Egyptians' eventual compliance underscores the Torah's demand for restitution, even when the stolen items have been concealed or dispersed.
Key Themes