Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.
Won't their livestock, their wealth, and all their animals become ours? We just need to agree to their terms, and they will live among us.
The men of Shechem are telling each other that agreeing to Jacob's family's conditions will ultimately benefit them by giving them access to all their wealth and possessions.
📚 Historical Context
In Genesis 34, after Shechem, a prince of the Hivites, violates Dinah, Jacob's daughter, he and his father Hamor propose a peace treaty with Jacob's family by suggesting intermarriage and shared living, but only if the Hivites agree to circumcision. This proposal is driven by ulterior motives, as the Hivites see an opportunity to gain the wealth and possessions of Jacob's people. In verse 23, Hamor and Shechem are rallying their community by emphasizing the material benefits of this alliance.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.