Summary of Genesis Chapters 33 and 34

Genesis Chapter 33, recounts the story of Jacob meeting Esau, and the reception that both give and receive. This chapter highlights themes of family discord, and the lasting effects of deception. Chapter 34 recounts the story of Dinah and the man who violated her. The chapter centers on the need for revenge when we do not submit to the Lord.

Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau:

After his encounter with God, Jacob approaches the meeting with Esau with a mix of fear and anticipation. He organizes his family, placing the maidservants and their children first, then Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph (Genesis 33:1-2).

Jacob bows to the ground as he approaches Esau, demonstrating humility and respect (Genesis 33:3).

Esau’s Reception:

To Jacob’s surprise, Esau runs to meet him, embraces and kisses him, showing genuine affection and forgiveness. (Genesis 33:4)

Jacob expresses gratitude for Esau’s acceptance and acknowledges the kindness shown to him.

The Gifts:

Jacob offers Esau gifts as a gesture of goodwill. Although Esau initially declines, he accepts when Jacob insists. (Genesis 33:8-11).

Esau’s Offer:

Esau invites Jacob to travel together, but Jacob declines graciously. (Genesis 33:12-14).

Esau offers to leave some of his men with Jacob, but Jacob politely declines, preferring to travel alone.

Jacob Settles in Shechem:

After their reunion, Esau returns to his home in Seir, while Jacob journeys to Succoth, where he builds a shelter for his livestock and later moves to Shechem (Genesis 33:15-18).

Jacob purchases a plot of land in Shechem and erects an altar there, naming it El Elohe Israel, which means "God, the God of Israel" (Genesis 33:19-20).

Dinah’s Encounter:

Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob, goes out to visit the women of the land. Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, sees her, takes her, and violates her (Genesis 34:1-2).

Shechem falls in love with Dinah and desires to marry her, asking his father Hamor to arrange the marriage (Genesis 34:3).

Hamor’s Proposal:

Hamor approaches Jacob to negotiate the marriage. He offers to give any bride price and asks for Dinah to be given to Shechem as his wife (Genesis 34:4-9).

Jacob’s sons are grieved and angry when they hear about the situation because Shechem has dishonored their sister (Genesis 34:7).

The Deceptive Agreement:

Jacob’s sons respond to Hamor and Shechem with deceit. They agree to the marriage on the condition that Shechem and all the men of his city be circumcised (Genesis 34:13-15).

Hamor and Shechem agree to the terms and convince the men of their city to undergo circumcision (Genesis 34:16-24).

The Revenge of Simeon and Levi:

Soon after the circumcision, when the men are in pain, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, take their swords and attack the city, killing all the males, including Hamor and Shechem (Genesis 34:25-26).

They rescue Dinah from Shechem’s house and bring her back to their family (Genesis 34:27).

Aftermath and Jacob’s Fear:

Jacob learns of the massacre and fears retribution from the surrounding Canaanite cities. (Genesis 34:30).

Simeon and Levi responded in a way that seemed to justify their actions (Genesis 34:31).

Key Themes

• Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Chapter 33 emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and the power of forgiveness, as seen in the reunion of Jacob and Esau.
• Family Dynamics and Conflict: Chapter 34 highlights the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of actions taken in anger and deceit.
• Justice and Retribution: The violent response of Simeon and Levi raises questions about justice, revenge, and the moral implications of their actions.
• Cultural Interactions: The chapter illustrates the challenges of cultural interactions and the consequences of failing to uphold family honor.

Genesis Chapters 33 and 34 are significant in the narrative of Jacob, showcasing themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the dangers when we choose to take revenge.