When Justice Goes Awry
Please note: This writing references a sexual assault that occurs in the Bible. This incident was mentioned in a recent adult Bible study.
Genesis includes the nomadic accounts of Jacob. After several relocations, his family finally settles in Shechem. For 100 silver pieces, Jacob purchases land from the sons of Hamor – the local ruler. Then, one of the son desires Jacob’s daughter Dinah. The man takes her and rapes her.
Jacob must respond to the great injustice inflicted upon his daughter, right? The son of the local ruler has sexually violated his daughter. While the scriptures give no indication to Jacob’s reasoning, the text does describe Jacob’s actions: “He did nothing about it” (Genesis 34.5). Jacob refuses to confront the perpetrator, perhaps given his status as Hamor’s son. So, what is justice in this matter? From this passage, we find what justice is not – doing nothing. Justice requires a response. There must be accountability.
Hamor, the ruler of the area and father of Dinah’s attacker, offers a solution: Let my son marry Dinah, and then, our families can intermarry and become a happy tribe. Hamor offers this enticing opportunity: “You can settle among us; the land is open to you. Live in it, trade in it, and acquire property” (Genesis 34.10). This is a proverbial win-win scenario. While this option would bring a financial influx to Jacob’s family, where is the justice for Dinah? With Hamor’s solution, everyone wins, including his raping son. Accordingly, is justice found in doling out promising business opportunities? This question is answered with a question: What is the price of Dinah’s dignity? Justice for her requires a punishment upon her attacker.
Some of Jacob’s sons grow increasingly frustrated at the proposed solution. They demand justice for Dinah and initiate a deceitful plan. They agree to Hamor’s proposal based upon one condition: all the men of the Shechem must get circumcised. Hamor and his son respond: “Agreed.” Then, using their influence, convince the other men to undergo the procedure. Once all the men of Shechem are circumcised, two of Dinah’s brothers respond with brutality: Three days later, while all of them were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male (Genesis 34.25). Following the slaying, the two brothers loot the city – taking treasures, women, and children. Their actions reflect not justice, but rather, revenge. Rather than seeking justice for their sister, they unleash their personal rage against even the innocent townsmen.
This account shows three aspects of justice.
Accountability – the offending party must be held responsible
Punishment – a negative consequence must be inflicted on the offender
Measured – the negative consequence must be measured and based upon the harm done by the offender.
For us, as we encounter situations requiring justice, from the mostly mundane to the felonious, let’s keep these aspects in mind. There must be accountability. The offender should experience a negative consequence, and the consequence should be measured according to the harm.
