Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 34:4
And Shechem spoke unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
4. Get me ] The parents were accustomed to obtain a wife for their son: see Gen 21:21, Gen 24:3-4; Jdg 14:2.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
He desires both his fathers consent and assistance herein.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor,…. And told him the whole affair, at least what a strong affection he had for Dinah:
saying, get me this damsel to wife; by which he meant not only that he would give his consent that he might marry her, but that he would get her parents’ consent unto it, and settle the matter with them; by which it appears how early, and that even among Heathen nations, consent of parents on both sides was judged necessary to marriage. It seems by this as if Dinah was now detained in the house of Hamor or Shechem, and was upon the spot, or near at hand, when Shechem addressed his father about her, see Ge 34:26.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
4. And Shechem said to his father Hamor. In this place it is more clearly expressed, that Shechem desired to have Dinah for his wife; for his lust was not so unbridled, that when he had defiled, he despised her. Besides, a laudable modesty is shown, since he pays deference to the will of his father; for he does not attempt to form a contract of marriage of his own mind, but leaves this to his father’s authority. For though he had basely fallen through the precipitate ardor of lust; yet now returning to himself, he follows the guidance of nature. So much the more ought young men to take heed to themselves, lest in the slippery period of their age, the lusts of the flesh should impel them to many crimes. For, at this day, greater license everywhere prevails, so that no moderation restrains youths from shameful conduct. Since, however, Shechem, under the rule and direction of nature, desired his father to be the procurer of his marriage, we hence infer that the right which parents have over their children is inviolable; so that they who attempt to overthrow it, confound heaven and earth. Wherefore, since the Pope, in honor of marriage, has dared to break this sacred bond of nature; this fornicator Shechem alone, will prove a judge sufficient, and more than sufficient, to condemn that barbarous conduct.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
‘And Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this girl for my wife.” Now Jacob heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah, and his sons were with his cattle in the countryside, and Jacob held his peace until they came. And Hamor, the father of Shechem, went out to Jacob to discuss things with him.’
“Get me this girl for my wife.” Shechem would have done well to take this step before the other. Then the problems would not have resulted. But when the sex drive controls men it inevitably leads to evil.
“Now Jacob heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah.” When the news reached Jacob the shock would be total. Never would he have agreed to his daughter marrying a Canaanite, even a ruling prince. And to have the treasure of his heart defiled in this way would be unbearable. What was acceptable to Canaanites was the most blasphemous of acts to the family tribe. To defile their princess was sacrilege.
So Jacob immediately sends messengers to his sons. Then he waits and does nothing until his sons with their men have returned from the countryside. Without them he is powerless to do anything. Meanwhile Hamor comes to see him to discuss the situation. But behind it all lies the terrible thing that has been done to Dinah.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
This was contrary to divine appointment. Deu 7:3-4 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 34:4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
Ver. 4: Get me this damsel to wife.] This is praise worthy in Shechem, as bad as he was, that he correcteth his base-born love, or lust rather, by seeking to make her his wife; not without consent of parents on both sides; which, in the Church of Rome, is ofttimes not regarded. Children are a principal part of their parents’ possessions, as Job’s children were accounted by Satan; yea, a piece of themselves. “Have mercy upon me,” that is, “upon my daughter”. Mat 15:22 Fit it is, therefore, that they should by the parents be disposed of in marriage.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 21:21, Jdg 14:2, 2Sa 13:13
Reciprocal: Jer 29:6 – take wives
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
34:4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, {b} Get me this damsel to wife.
(b) This proves that the consent of parents is required in marriage, seeing that even the infidels observed it as a necessary thing.