‘And they began their journey, and a terror from God (or ‘a great terror') was on the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.'
They made their escape from Shechem without interference. This was because of the fear that had spread round as a result of their activities. Stories about the raid by Jacob's sons were probably spread from mouth to mouth, expanding as they went, so that by the time the other cities heard them a large, fierce army had been involved. And this was added to and used by God. Thus they kept away, and by the time the truth was known it was too late. Jacob's sons had made their escape. Such a terror from God is witnessed to elsewhere in Exodus 23:27; 1 Samuel 14:15. It is implied in Joshua 10:10; Judges 4:15; Judges 7:22. God can work in men's minds in many ways.