Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is happening in Genesis 34:9?
A: In Genesis 34:9, Shechem and his father Chamor are speaking to Jacob and his sons after Shechem had taken Dinah. They propose intermarriage between their families as a way to unite the two groups. This verse reflects their attempt to negotiate after the incident with Dinah, but the proposal was deceptive and not in line with Torah values.
Q: Why did Shechem and Chamor suggest intermarriage in this verse?
A: Shechem and Chamor suggested intermarriage (Genesis 34:9) as a way to smooth over the conflict after Shechem had taken Dinah. However, Rashi explains that their intentions were not pure—they sought to assimilate Jacob’s family into their own Canaanite culture, which was forbidden by Torah law. The Torah later prohibits intermarriage with idolatrous nations (Deuteronomy 7:3).
Q: How did Jacob’s sons respond to this proposal in Genesis 34:9?
A: Jacob’s sons responded deceitfully, pretending to agree but with a condition that all the men of Shechem be circumcised (Genesis 34:13-15). However, Shimon and Levi later took revenge by attacking the city. The Ramban criticizes their actions, stating that while they were zealous for their sister’s honor, their approach was improper and caused unnecessary conflict.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 34:9 about marriage in Judaism?
A: This verse teaches the importance of maintaining Jewish identity in marriage. The proposal of intermarriage was rejected by Jacob’s family (despite their later extreme reaction). The Torah emphasizes marrying within the faith (Deuteronomy 7:3-4) to preserve Torah values and avoid assimilation, a principle upheld throughout Jewish history.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism view intermarriage today based on this verse?
A: Orthodox Judaism strictly prohibits intermarriage, based on Torah commandments (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3) and the lessons from Genesis 34:9. Marriage within the Jewish people ensures the continuity of Torah observance and Jewish identity. The Talmud (Kiddushin 68b) and Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 12:1) reinforce this as a fundamental Jewish law.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Genesis 34:9) is part of the narrative involving Shechem, the son of Chamor the Hivite, who had violated Dinah, the daughter of Yaakov. Following this act, Shechem and his father propose intermarriage between their people and the family of Yaakov as a means of reconciliation.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the proposal was deceptive. Shechem and Chamor sought to assimilate Yaakov's family into their own nation, as evidenced by their phrasing: "Give your daughters to us, and take our daughters to you." Rashi notes that their primary intent was to take Jewish daughters for themselves, while offering their own daughters as a secondary consideration. This reveals their ulterior motive to absorb Bnei Yisrael rather than establish a mutual relationship.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 10:3) discusses the prohibition of intermarriage with non-Jews, emphasizing that such unions lead to assimilation and a weakening of Jewish identity. This verse serves as an early example of the dangers posed by such proposals, as the Hivites sought to undermine the distinctiveness of Yaakov's family.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 80:7) highlights the insincerity of the offer, comparing it to the tactics of Eisav, who also sought to draw Yaakov into his sphere of influence through marriage. The Midrash teaches that the nations may attempt to entice Jews with seemingly peaceful overtures, but their underlying goal is often to erase Jewish distinctiveness.
Halachic Implications