Interesting Facts

• Hamor was the father of Shechem.
• He was a Hivite.
• His father was Chiddekem, the son of Pered.
• Hamor was greatly loved by his son Shechem.
• He was esteemed by the men of his city, being one of their princes.

Genealogy

• Hamor was the son of Chiddekem, who was the son of Pered.
• He was the father of Shechem.
• Hamor had other sons, specifically five brothers of Shechem are mentioned.
• His lineage is traced back to the Hivites.

Historical Context

Hamor’s actions and decisions occur within a context where intermarriage between different peoples was a significant issue. His willingness to negotiate with Jacob and his sons regarding the marriage of Shechem and Dinah suggests a diplomatic approach to maintaining peace and potentially integrating the two communities. The cultural significance of circumcision as a religious rite for Jacob’s family plays a crucial role in the events. Hamor, along with his son Shechem, held a position of authority and respect within their city, enabling them to persuade the men to undergo circumcision. However, the dissenting voices within the city, led by Hamor’s father Chiddekem and his brothers, highlight internal tensions and differing perspectives on this proposed integration with the Hebrews. This internal conflict reveals the complex social dynamics of the city of Shechem at the time.

Narrative

Hamor’s narrative begins with his son Shechem’s desire to marry Dinah. Upon learning of his son’s affections, Hamor acts as an intermediary, going to Jacob to negotiate the union. He proposes intermarriage and offers the Hebrews the opportunity to dwell, trade, and acquire possessions in their land, emphasizing the extensiveness of their territory. Hamor, along with Shechem, listens to the conditions set forth by Simeon and Levi, which deceptively require the circumcision of all males in their city. Believing this will secure Dinah’s hand in marriage, and driven by Shechem’s strong desire, Hamor persuades the men of Shechem to undergo the procedure, highlighting the potential benefits of becoming one people with the Hebrews and gaining their resources. Hamor himself, along with Shechem and his five other sons, is circumcised. However, this decision is met with strong opposition from Hamor’s father and brothers, who fear the repercussions from other Canaanite groups. Despite this internal dissent, Hamor and Shechem proceed, ultimately leading to the treacherous attack and slaughter of the men of Shechem by Simeon and Levi while they are still recovering from the circumcision. Hamor’s efforts to secure a peaceful union ultimately result in the destruction of his city, and his own fate is not explicitly detailed in the aftermath of the massacre, though it is implied he perished along with the other men of Shechem.