Hamor and Shechem readily agree to the condition and persuade the men of their city to undergo circumcision. The men comply, swayed by promises of shared wealth and unity with Jacob’s family.

It reads in Genesis 34:18–24 Easy: This idea seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem. Shechem’s family respected him as an important person. So Shechem and his father quickly did what Jacob’s sons told them. Shechem agreed to do it because he wanted very much to marry Dinah. So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of the city. They spoke to their men there. They said Jacob’s family are our friends. Let them live in our land, and buy and sell things. This land is big enough for them and us. We can marry their daughters, and they can marry our daughters. But we must do the one thing that they have asked us to do. We must circumcise all our males in the same way that they do. If we do that, they will agree to live among us. Then their things and their animals will all become our things. So we should agree to be circumcised, as they ask. Then they will live among us.’ All the men who were at the city gate agreed with Hamor and Shechem. So every male in the city was circumcised.

Father God, Your Word reminds us that we reap what we sow, how true that is! It’s easy to recognize the shortcomings of others, yet how often do I examine my own heart? Am I quick to notice where my actions stray from Your will, and do I earnestly seek transformation? Father, in moments of decision, grant me wisdom to choose what is right. Help me to walk in integrity, steadfast and unshaken by deception. May my actions reflect Your truth, and may my heart pursue justice with love and compassion. Guide me in all that I do, that my life may bring honor and glory to You. Father, I love You, I thank You, I praise You, and I surrender all to You. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.