Interesting Facts

• Chiddekem was the son of Pered and the father of Hamor.
• He had six brothers who shared his opposition to the circumcision of the men of Shechem.
• Chiddekem and his brothers found the proposal of Jacob’s sons to circumcise every male as a condition for intermarriage loathsome.
• He and his brothers were angered that the men of the city had followed Hamor and Shechem’s counsel rather than their own.
• Chiddekem and his brothers confronted Hamor and Shechem, questioning their decision and warning them of the potential repercussions from other Canaanite tribes.

Genealogy

• Chiddekem was the son of Pered.
• He was the father of Hamor.
• Hamor was the father of Shechem.
• Therefore, Chiddekem was the grandfather of Shechem.
• Chiddekem had six brothers who are not individually named in the provided texts.

Historical Context

Chiddekem’s story unfolds in the land of Canaan, preceding the more detailed interactions between Jacob’s family and the city of Shechem. The fact that Chiddekem and his brothers express concern about the opinions of other Canaanite brethren suggests a degree of interconnectedness and shared cultural identity among the various Canaanite groups in the region. Their resistance to the idea of circumcision, a practice alien to them and their ancestors, highlights the distinct religious and cultural customs prevalent among the Hivites and likely other Canaanite populations at that time, contrasting with the traditions of Jacob’s lineage. The high regard in which Hamor and Shechem were held by the men of Shechem likely influenced the city’s initial decision to undergo circumcision, going against the counsel of Chiddekem and his brothers, indicating potential power dynamics and differing opinions within the Hivite community.

Narrative

Chiddekem appears in the narrative as a dissenting voice against the agreement made by his son Hamor and grandson Shechem with the sons of Jacob. Along with his six brothers, Chiddekem vehemently opposed the proposition that all the males of Shechem undergo circumcision as a prerequisite for allowing Dinah to marry Shechem and for peaceful coexistence. Their primary objection stemmed from the fact that this was not a practice commanded by their ancestors and was considered loathsome in their sight. Furthermore, they were incensed that the people of the city had hearkened to Hamor and Shechem instead of them. Chiddekem and his brothers directly confronted Hamor and Shechem, questioning their judgment and warning them about the potential negative reactions from other Canaanite tribes who would find this act strange and unjust. They feared retaliation and shame among their broader community. Initially, Hamor and Shechem defended their actions, stating they only agreed to the circumcision to obtain their desire for Dinah. However, they eventually conceded to the concerns of Chiddekem and his brothers, agreeing to join forces against Jacob and his sons once they had secured Dinah. Dinah overheard this conversation and relayed it to her father and brothers. While Chiddekem himself does not engage in direct conflict with Jacob’s family in the provided texts, his opposition and his influence on Hamor and Shechem’s later intentions contribute to the escalating tensions that ultimately lead to the massacre of the men of Shechem by Simeon and Levi.