Reading for March 17th

Read Genesis 33.18-34.41
The rape of Jacob's daughter, Dinah.
The story of rape and revenge is the first example of violence in the interaction of Israelites and Canaanites.
Their relationship up to this point in Genesis have been cordial and peaceful.
In 33.18-19 Shechem is both the name of a city and the name of the son of Hamor, the prince of the region (34.2).
In verse 20: El-Elohe-Isarel means "God, the God of Israel."
The ancient divine name "El" appears elsewear in genesis, usually combined with another word: El Elyon (14.49), El Shaddai (17.1), El Olam (21.33), and El-bethel (35.7).
In 34.2-3 : The story reports that Shechem raped Dinah and then loved and spoke tenderly to her.
Dinah's response or feelings are not given.
In verse 15: to be circumcised involves cutting off the foreskin of the male penis.
Circumcision (17.9-14).n was a physical sign of a male's belonging to the covenant of Israel.
In verses 25-29 The violence of the revenge (killing all males, taking all possessions, and capturing their wives and children) seems excessive.
This is especially true if the self-interests of the brothers rather than the interests of Dinah are being served.
The story seems intentionally ambiguous at key points in order to draw the reader into wrestling with the moral dilemmas and is sues raised by the narrative.
In verse 26: The reader is suddenly aware that Dinah has been staying in Shechem's house.
Was she there because she wanted to be?
Or was she held there by force?
Again we don't know Dinah's feelings.
In verses 30-3: the ethical debate between Jacob (concerned for pragmatic realities) and his sons (concern with moral principles) ends without resolution.
Comments or Questions..