הַרְבּ֨וּ עָלַ֤י מְאֹד֙ מֹ֣הַר וּמַתָּ֔ן וְאֶ֨תְּנָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר תֹּאמְר֖וּ אֵלָ֑י וּתְנוּ־לִ֥י אֶת־הַֽנַּעֲרָ֖ לְאִשָּֽׁה׃
Ask of me a bride-price ever so high, as well as gifts, and I will pay what you tell me; only give me the maiden for a wife.”
Genesis 34:12 (Revised JPS, 2026)
When Shechem violates Dinah, the text states that he then goes to Dinah’s family to try to get them to agree to marriage, stating that he’ll pay whatever it takes for it to be mutually agreeable.
What’s important to note is that in the culture, the violation and defilement is accepted as reality. Dinah has been sullied in their eyes.
However, Shechem’s offer of marriage would technically reverse the violation and restore her “status.”
You have to understand – this would be very tempting for the family, specifically because they *loved* Dinah. By agreeing to the marriage, Dinah’s status would be restored, and she could be held in high esteem by marrying the prince, and the family could even receive a very high bride-price (dowry) and gifts (that would go to Dinah).
Simeon and Levi’s response isn’t just revenge. It’s a very powerful statement: honor cannot be purchased.
Regardless of the trouble it may cause, and the loss of status and financial opportunity, you simply do not make deals with devils.