Jacob said, &c.— We can be under no hesitation to condemn this assassination, when we find Jacob himself expressing his abhorrence of it in the strongest terms. And we conceive that no arguments can justify Simeon and Levi, especially since Shechem was desirous of repairing the injury done to Dinah in the most honourable manner possible.
REFLECTIONS.—We have here,
1. The cruel and treacherous murder of the men of Shechem. However just it was in God to punish them for their profane abuse of the seals of his covenant, or perhaps for their connivance at the detention at least of Dinah in Shechem's house, or because they had filled up the measure of their iniquities, yet it takes nothing from the guilt of these murderers. Inflamed with passion, and spurred on by revenge, they sally forth to perpetrate the horrid deed. Though Shechem had made every possible reparation, though restrained by the most solemn engagement, and doubly bound by that holy ordinance they had proposed, no considerations can bind their cursed anger. Hamor and Shechem bleed under their swords. Treacherously surprized, all the male inhabitants of the city fall the victims of their unrelenting cruelty. Not content with the rescue of Dinah, they rush upon the spoil; and, while the men lie weltering in blood, their wives are captives, and their substance devoured.
2. Jacob's displeasure at the deed. They had cast the highest scandal on his religion: the very Canaanite might justly loath it if this was their way. And how great was their danger also, when surrounded by those who might so justly avenge this shocking action. Note; (1.) Wicked children are a bitter grief and reproach to their parents. (2.) Sin and ruin are nearly allied. The prodigal son fears no consequences, but the wiser father trembles for him.
3. Their insolent reply: no acknowledgment of their fault, but rather a reflection on the tameness of their father. Note; They who are violent themselves are ever ready to reproach the gentle as mean-spirited.