Citation

J. Relig. Abuse 2001; 2(4): 81-98.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J154v02n04_06

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The rape of Dinah, Genesis 34, is a text that has been discussed by both male and female scholars in various disciplines of Biblical studies. A surface view of the text leaves the reader with questions, judgments, or accusations concerning the characters and the dilemma of right and wrong. Yet a deeper study of the text seems to address leadership and social justice issues in the community of Yahweh. The text may provoke the reader and community to action through the silence of Jacob, the power struggle between Hamor, Shechem and Jacob's sons, and the revenge of Simeon and Levi. Current research on violence to females and the community of God indicates that action concerning these issues also needs to be provoked in modern communities of faith.