NOTES for Gen 34:1-31

The story told in this chapter is the story of a founder and his followers. It would seem that the sons inherit the covenant from their father. As we read, it appears that their determination is about to enable the people to grow not only within a single family but through the acceptance of the covenant by Gentiles. Consequently, circumcision—the sign of the covenant—is made the principal condition under which intermarriage can take place. Yet it turns out that this was merely a carefully planned act of revenge. This is what causes the conflict between Isaac and his sons, who used the confirmation of the eternal agreement with God to destroy people who were ready to become close to them in every respect.