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Massacre or Mitzvah: Were Shimon and Levi Justified?

Parsha Curiosities: Vayishlach

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Massacre or Mitzvah: Were Shimon and Levi Justified? : Parsha Curiosities: Vayishlach

Arriving in Shechem, Dina ventured out to observe the local girls. She was abducted by the Crown Prince, who violently raped and abused her. Without seeking counsel, two of her brothers brutally massacred the townspeople along with the perpetrator. Does the Torah sanction or condemn their unilateral actions?
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Dinah's Abduction, Shimon & Levi Destroy Shechem, Vayishlach

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KarenEmunah MD December 6, 2022

Wow, I learned a lot! I was never mad at Simeon/Levy for *this; but I was (am)- lol - for Joseph..During your presentation, I was thinking, "oh but what about Gen 49:5-7", and then boom, you touched on that at the end, thank you!

I find myself having different emotions w Jacob: he can be tenacious, zealous, yet seemingly passive, and wrongly-presumptuous in his (worry) words. And I always defend him when my Christian friends say he "stole" the blessing. Ummm, no he did not, re-read the scripture carefully -- he made a proposition to his brother, and he accepted. Esau knew what it meant to give up his birthright, he's not a victim!

You sharing the boys' age 13 was fascinating, so that also makes me think Jacob *knew they were "feisty" and that's why "..Jacob kept silent until their arrival". But u gave me more perspective of Jacob dealing w a king/prince, townsfolk, so Jacob was feeling worried. I see his side on that, better. And like u said, interesting verses 34:31 to 35:1 :) Reply