The Tragedy of Dinah

Summary

---

The Chosen People: "The Tragedy of Dinah" (December 3, 2025)

Podcast: The Chosen People
Host: Pray.com
Episode Theme: An evocative retelling and reflection upon the biblical story of Dinah, exploring its tragedy, moral complexities, and the consequences of human choices within the family of Jacob.

---

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Chosen People" dives deep into one of the Old Testament’s most harrowing and controversial stories: the tragedy of Dinah, as found in Genesis 34. Employing immersive storytelling and dramatic narration, the episode recounts Dinah's violation by Shechem, the subsequent moral and emotional reckonings within Jacob’s family, and the violent vengeance enacted by her brothers, Simeon and Levi. The narrative pulls listeners into the emotional turmoil, highlighting the themes of honor, justice, shame, and the far-reaching consequences of straying from divine guidance.

---

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Jacob’s Settlement and Unease (01:30–02:58)

• Jacob’s family stops near Shechem, against divine instruction to move to Bethel.
• Tension arises as Hamor, chief of the city, interacts with Jacob about land and his son Shechem (“named after the city, and it will all be his one day” [02:13]).
• Jacob’s sons are wary and longing for conflict, but Jacob craves peace.
• Notable Quote (Jacob):
  “Give that man no reason to hate us. Do you hear me?” (02:58)

2. Dinah’s Curiosity and Naivete (05:32–09:18)

• Dinah, curious and drawn to the city life, ventures into Shechem, unaware of the lurking danger.
• She attempts to fit in with local girls but feels mocked and out of place.
• Encounters Shechem, who is kind yet unsettling; other girls gossip about Dinah’s “Hebrew” naivete and modesty.
• Tension between attraction to new experiences and vulnerability.

3. The Assault (09:18–12:07)

• Amid Shechem’s increasingly intense advances, Dinah becomes frightened but, paralyzed by fear, does not resist.
• Graphic Content Warning: Shechem assaults Dinah, rendering her “humiliated and defiled” (10:53).
• Unsettling juxtaposition as Shechem shifts to tender words, proposing marriage immediately after the violation.
• “You are fair, sweet Dinah. I shall have you as my wife... Our children will rule this city.” (11:34, Shechem)
• Dinah is left silent, devastated, and her return home is marked by grief and trauma.

4. Family Discovery and Reaction (12:49–16:09)

• Simeon, Levi, and the brothers discover Dinah’s state, immediately piecing together what has occurred.
• Notable Emotional Moment:
  “Who did this?” (14:29, Simeon)
• Leah (Dinah’s mother) confronts Jacob with accusation and outrage at his passivity:
• Notable Quote (Leah):
  “Your daughter was raped, Jacob. ... So we’re going to pretend like this didn’t happen? You’re going to do nothing?” (15:15)
• Jacob is torn, fearful of provoking a war with the city.

5. A Calculated Proposal (19:09–21:34)

• Hamor and Shechem arrive, proposing marriage and a merging of families and resources.
• Jacob, flanked by his sons, feigns negotiation while the brothers secretly plot revenge.
• Simeon’s Scheme:
  Proposes the men of Shechem undergo circumcision to seal the treaty, knowing it will leave them vulnerable.
• “Our only condition is that you and all your men be circumcised. Then we will give all our daughters to be with your men in marriage...” (21:10, Simeon)

6. The Vengeance of Simeon and Levi (23:16–26:33)

• On the third day, with the city’s men debilitated, Simeon and Levi launch a merciless attack.
• Dramatic Moment:
  “Are you ready, Levi?”
  “Ready, brother. Remember, no mercy, only judgment.” (23:16)
• They kill Hamor and Shechem (24:31, “Prepare to die”), retrieve Dinah, and slaughter many in the city.
• Crucial Exchange:
  “Is this about your sister? I paid you handsomely for her.” (Shechem, 25:34)
  “Oh, dear Shechem, you haven’t paid nearly what you owe.” (Simeon, 25:44)
• The violence is depicted as both retributive and catastrophic, leaving the house of Shechem devastated.
• Brothers return with Dinah, spoils, and a heavy sense of fallout.

7. Jacob’s Response and Tragic Reckoning (27:20–28:13)

• Jacob rebukes his sons, fearing reprisal and regretting his earlier decisions.
• Notable Conflict:
  “Foolish boys. What have you done?” (Jacob, 27:20)
  “What you should have done. We gave Shechem and his entire household what they deserved.” (Simeon, 27:24)
• Simeon accuses Jacob of cowardice, suggesting he would sacrifice Dinah’s dignity for safety.
• Jacob is left alone, wrestling with shame, guilt, and the knowledge that his leadership—marked by compromise and fear—brought calamity.

---

Timestamps of Major Segments

• Jacob’s uneasy settlement: 01:30–02:58
• Dinah’s exploration and encounter with Shechem: 05:32–09:18
• The assault and aftermath: 09:18–12:07
• Discovery by family and Leah’s confrontation: 12:49–16:09
• Hamor and Shechem propose marriage: 19:09–21:34
• Plot and execution of vengeance: 23:16–26:33
• Jacob’s confrontation with sons: 27:20–28:13

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Jacob to sons, advisory caution:
  “Give that man no reason to hate us. Do you hear me?” (02:58)
• Shechem’s disturbing declaration:
  “I must have you, Dinah. I will die if I don’t.” (09:35)
• Leah’s raw maternal pain and accusation:
  “Your daughter was raped, Jacob. ... So we’re going to pretend like this didn’t happen? You’re going to do nothing?” (15:15)
• Simeon and Levi’s grim resolve:
  “Ready, brother. Remember, no mercy, only judgment.” (23:16)
• Simeon’s justification to Jacob:
  “We gave Shechem and his entire household what they deserved.” (27:24)
• Simeon’s challenge to his father’s passivity:
  “So you would have had Dinah shipped off like a movie mare to that monster ... You’re despicable and a coward.” (27:38)

---

Tone, Language, and Reflection

The podcast episode carries a somber, intense, and dramatic tone, mirroring the gravity and emotional complexity of the biblical account. Dialogue is rendered in a mix of contemporary and archaic language, emphasizing both the immediacy and historical distance of the narrative. The emotional palette is rich, ranging from tenderness to rage, shame to grief.

The episode does not shy from the brutality or moral difficulty of the story, but rather uses immersive storytelling to call listeners into contemplation on justice, leadership, and the legacy of pain that follows personal and collective choices.

---

Takeaways and Relevance

• Moral Complexity: The story refuses to offer easy answers, instead highlighting the price of compromise, the costs of vengeance, and the danger of failing to protect the vulnerable.
• Leadership and Responsibility: Jacob’s vacillation leads not to safety, but to disaster; the consequences of failing to heed divine guidance are portrayed as real and lasting.
• Cycle of Violence: Simeon and Levi’s actions, though understandable within the code of familial honor, expand tragedy rather than resolve it.

---

For listeners, this episode offers a dramatic yet sensitive retelling of one of scripture’s darkest chapters—inviting reflection on justice, family, and the personal cost of broken faith and leadership.

Transcript

[A]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human Open enrollment is here. If rising premiums and confusing fine prints have you praying for a better way, consider Crowd Health a community where people pay medical bills directly. You get bill negotiators, low cost prescriptions and lab tools and known networks that keep your healthcare limited. And if something major happens, you pay the first $500. Then the crowd steps in to help with the rest. It's real rapid support with bills being funded within an average of seven days. It's wise stewardship on your health and your wallet. This open enrollment take your power back. Join Crowd Health and get started for just $99 for your first three months. Using code [e-mail] that's JoinCrowdHealth.com Code Pray. Crowd health is not insurance. Opt out. Take your power back. This is how we win. Join CrowdHealth.com previously on the Chosen People. Brother, come to my village. Stay with me. We journey together. You go on ahead. Go at the pace that suits you and we will pace slowly behind until we meet you and Seer. We aren't going to Seer, are we? No, we are not. What a shame. It would have been nice to meet the twin who took all the good nature.

[B]

The words stung, but they were true men.

[A]

Set the course for Succoth. Why are we going there? Did God not tell you to go to Bethel?

[B]

It didn't take long for the city of Shechem to take notice. Hamor, the city's chief, came galloping with his sons behind him. Jacob turned back to his family. His eldest sons, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, stood behind him. They were sizing up the sons of Hamor, itching for conflict. Jacob was done fighting. He wanted ease and peace. He turned back to Hamor and extended his hand.

[A]

Name your price. A hundred pieces of silver up front for the land. And if you don't prove yourself to be good for our people, then I'll have my sons come to shake more out of you. This is my eldest, Shechem. He'll be back to collect your rent. I suggest treating him to a meal every now and again when he visits. He's named after the city, and it will all be his one day, so you best be good to him.

[B]

Shechem flashed a mocking smile. Jacob could feel his sons tensing at the sight of him. Hamer and his sons rode off. Jacob turned, looking at his family's balking glares. Jacob wagged a finger and spoke to his boys.

[A]

Give that man no reason to hate us. Do you hear me?

[B]

They nodded and left. Jacob sighed as he watched them go. He knew he shouldn't be here. Yet fear kept him from moving forward. It would be his undoing. This episode of the Chosen People contains explicit content that may be triggering for some listeners and inappropriate for young children. Listener discretion is advised.

[A]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. The holiday season can be exhausting with all the parties and the end of year celebrations, but don't forget to take care of yourself by stocking up on your favorite nutritional products. Now through December 30th. Shop in store and online and save on items like Cliff Snack Bars, Luna Bars, Boost Nutritional Energy Drinks, Premier Protein Shakes, Z Bar Variety Packs, Open Nature Powder and Body Fortress Protein powder offers end December 30th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. Run a business and not thinking about podcasting? Think again. More Americans listen to podcasts than ads supported streaming music from Spotify and Pandora. And as the number one podcaster, iHeart's twice as large as the next two combined. So whatever your customers are into true crime, sports, comedy, culture, they'll hear your message. Plus, only iHeart can extend your message to audiences across broadcast radio. And all this reach means everything. Just think about the universal marketing formula. The number of consumers who hear your message times the response rate equals the results. Now let's get those results growing for you. Think podcasting can help your business? Think iHeart streaming radio and podcasting. Let us show you at iHeartadvertising.com that's iHeartadvertising.com or call 844-844 iHeart. One more time, call 844-844-IHeart and get podcasting working for you. High interest debt is one of the toughest opponents you'll face unless you power up with a SoFi personal loan. A SOFI personal loan could repackage your bad debt into one low fixed rate monthly payment. It's even got super speed since you could get the funds as soon as the same day you sign. Visit sofi.compower to learn more. That's s o f I.com p o w E R Loans originated By SoFi Bank NA Member FDIC Terms and Conditions apply and MLS 696891 over here Dinah. Enjoy a drink with us.

[B]

Dinah flashed an innocent smile, looked to her left and right, then approached with a slight skip in her step. She loved visiting the city of Shechem. It was bursting at the seams with a chaotic energy that made her feel alive. There were new things to learn around every corner. She had spent her whole life dwelling in tents, moving pasture to pasture at her father's will. The buildings and homes made of stone and wood gave her an odd sense of power and control. But Dinah was terribly naive. She pranced around the city like the plains outside Larvan's camp. She was unaware of what lurked in the shadows, stalking like a lion.

[A]

Dinah, we were just talking about you. You must settle a debate for us. What is it? You Hebrews have more sheep than the gods themselves. Tell us which grass is best for grazing. Uh, well, that depends. In winter, the coarse grass underneath the poplar groves makes the sheep nice and fertile for a good spring. Oh, please. Tell us more about the grass. Leave out nothing.

[B]

Dinah realized they were teasing her, but couldn't muster up the courage to defend herself. She winced in embarrassment, then feigned a smile.

[A]

Oh, yes, well, I really hate all that nonsense. Why do you think I spent so much time here? The wine, the men. I doubt Dina's ever bedded a man. She's a Hebrew. They keep everything hidden under sheep's wool until they're married. What a bore. I know she's wasting her beauty. She's lucky to have it in the first place. Have you seen her mother? Well, I. Leave the poor girl alone.

[B]

Dinah turned. It was Shechem, son of Chief Hamor. He wasn't named Shechem for nothing. He was heir to the city and walked around as such. He was a wiry man with a thin beard and wisps of of hair falling to his side. Dinah wasn't sure what to make of him, but the other girls swooned in his presence, most likely because of the large purse strapped to the side of his belt. Shechem was notorious for buying the companionship of every eligible girl in the city. He was kind to Dinah whenever they crossed paths. The attention made Dinah feel nice, although sometimes his lingering eyes made her uncomfortable.

[A]

Dinah, would you like to take a stroll with me and escape these petty and insufferable girls? Oh, I really must be heading home. Then I will escort you. Come. Let's walk together. As you say, my lord.

[B]

Shechem held out his arm for Dinah. She accepted the gesture with a nervous smile. They left the busy streets and walked down a narrow cobbled stairway leading to the city's gates. Shechem was a perfect gentleman as they walked, asking Dinah earnest questions.

[A]

Tell me, Dinah, how has your family adjusted to being this close to the city? I can imagine it Being quite a shock. My father enjoys the business connections. He plans to gain more wealth through trading until we settle near Bethel. And what of your brothers? They're a rather feral lot, aren't they? Yes, well, my brothers certainly like visiting, but they don't know how to comport themselves. They lack the refinement you have. Dinah, you're a rare and elegant creature. You have the grace of a lady.

[B]

Shechem stopped underneath the shadow of a stone archway. He raised a hand to Dinah's cheek. His eyes were wide and dark, taking all of her in. Dinah felt as if he were undressing her with his gaze. She wanted to pull away, but she didn't.

[A]

Dinah, you are radiant and deserve to be cherished. Thank you, Shechem. That is kind. I must confess I can't stop thinking about you. I long to be with you, Dinah. I only pray you return my affection. I'm not sure what to say. I must have you, Dinah. I will die if I don't.

[B]

Shechem squeezed Dinah's arm and brought her body close to his. He leaned in to smell her hair. Dinah could feel his body tense with desire. She was terrified, wanting nothing else but to melt so she could escape his grip.

[A]

Please let me go. You're hurting me. You are the one who has hurt me every day. Every you have been hurting me. I ache with desire. I keel over at night fantasizing about what it would be like to have you. I've watched you, Dinah. I've watched your coming and going. I've watched you draw water from the well and dance under the lanterns. Each moment I don't have you is painful. I shall be rid of that pain today. Please, no.

[B]

Shechem ignored Dinah's pleas for mercy. He seized her against the jagged stone walls and violated her. Shechem, like many young rich rulers of his time, knew if he wanted something he needed, just take it for himself. And he wanted Dinah. He burned with a self serving and violent desire. Flailing and fighting, Dinah realized there would be nobody there to help her. Shechem humiliated Dinah in the shadows. Dinah was humiliated and defiled. Yet instead of releasing her with threats, Shechem spoke tenderly and with gentleness.

[A]

You are fair, sweet Dinah. I shall have you as my wife. We will be wed underneath lanterns and stars. Our children will rule this city.

[B]

Dinah was speechless, paralyzed and humiliated.

[A]

There is no need to say anything, my dear. Love can be overwhelming. Return to your tent, but do not enjoy it long. Soon you will be with me in a palace.

[B]

Shechem kissed Dinah. His Thin, wiry chin hair rubbed against Dinah's cheek, which was wet with tears. Shechem pranced away, satisfied with himself. Dinah lay there for a long while, cold and broken. Her sobbing echoed off the dark stone walls of the city. After an hour or so of holding herself, she hobbled back home. Simeon grunted in frustration, coiling and uncoiling some rope to try and get it perfectly taut. He cursed under his breath, vowing to give up each time before trying again. Levi chuckled at his older brother.

[A]

You're going to give me the rope or not? Your hands are like carrots. Yes, but my fists are like stones. Get away and leave me to my work.

[B]

Simeon shoved Levi, getting him a swift slap upside the head in return. The two wrestled in the dirt for a moment. Reuben approached and kicked them both.

[A]

Oi. I'll just corral free sheep that got past the crude fences. You idiot's boot. That's carrot fingers over here. I paid him three shekels to do my portion of the fence. If you had paid me four, it would have been done better.

[B]

The brothers continued to tease, jab, and argue, as brothers do. The sons of Leir were close, bound to each other by a bond beyond blood. They were sons of Leir the Loveless. They all had chips on their shoulders. They were born with a certain rage that couldn't be quelled. They disagreed often, but were undyingly loyal. Their jesting was brought to an abrupt halt when they saw their sister Dinah hobble down the road, weeping uncontrollably.

[A]

Dinah, what happened? I was in the city and I.

[B]

Levi removed his cloak and wrapped it around her. They sat beside her, trying to decipher her incoherent sobs. That's when they noticed all the signs. The haggard hair, the torn gown, the blood. Simeon snarled as his mind filled in the blanks. With an intense, low growl, he asked three simple words.

[A]

Who did this? Shaqo. I'll kill him. Not if I kill him first. Let's figure more out before we draw swords. I knew you'd say that.

[B]

Coward.

[A]

You're built like a bull, but I swear you have the spine of a chicken. Please help me back home. Of course, sweet sister. Come here.

[B]

Simeon wrapped Dinah in his arms and carried her to Leah's tent. She was mortified to hear about what happened to her daughter. She bathed her, fed her, and tucked her into bed. Simeon and Levi stayed outside her tent all night, refusing to leave her side. Leah stared intensely at her husband, her scowl illuminated in the candlelight within his tent.

[A]

What are you going to do about what happened to Dinah? What can I do? Shechem is the son of the most powerful man in the region. We shouldn't even be here. God told you to settle in Bethel. I know, but I thought we could be here for a while to regroup. I thought it would be good for us. Good for you, maybe. But you've left the rest of us vulnerable to the city. Your daughter was raped, Jacob. Keep your voice down. So we're going to pretend like this didn't happen? You're going to do nothing? For now, yes. We do nothing very well. And how are you going to keep our sons from taking action? They wouldn't do anything without my command. Okay, Jacob. Whatever you say. I'll let you find out on your own just how little you know about your own children.

[B]

Leah left, shaking her head. Jacob remained where he stood for a long while, ashamed. His anger boiled against Shechem. He wanted to tear the boy limb from limb and burn the city to the ground. But if he retaliated, he risked a war he couldn't win. So Jacob, resigned to forgetting it ever happened. He blew out his candle and slept in a pool of his own shame.

[A]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. The holiday season can be exhausting with all the parties and the end of year celebrations. But don't forget to take care of yourself by stocking up on your favorite nutritional products. Now through December 30th. Shop in store and online and save on items like Cliff Snack Bars, Luna Bars, Boost Nutritional Energy Drinks, Premier Protein Shakes, Z Bar Variety Packs, Open Nature Powder and Body Fortress Protein powder offers end December 30th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. Run a business and not thinking about radio? Think again, because more people are listening to the radio and iHeart today than they were 20 years ago. And only iHeart broadcast radio connects with more Americans than TV, digital, social, any other media, even twice as many teens than TikTok. And that reach means everything. Just think about the universal marketing formula. The number of consumers who hear your message times the response rate equals the results. Now let's get those results growing for your business. Radio's here now more than ever, and iheart's leading the way. Think radio can help your business? Think iHeart streaming, podcasting and radio where the reach is real. Let us show [e-mail] that's iheartadvertising.com or call 844-844 iheart one more time. Just call 844-844, iheart and get radio working for you.

[B]

The next morning, Jacob rose and chopped wood in silence. The wood split easily under Jacob's swing. He was growing old, but still had the strength of a mountain lion. He channeled his rage to the firewood, hoping his sons were finding similar ways to quell their fury. He feared Leah was right. Simeon and Levi were born violent. They wanted any excuse to sharpen their swords. Jacob's fear became all the more palpable when he heard a shofar blow in the distance, parading up the road with a procession of gifts and pomp. Behind him was Hamor. He rode on a charcoal black horse adorned with purple frays. His dark beard shimmered from expensive oils. Beside him was his scoundrel of a son, Shechem. Jacob bore his teeth at the sight of them, but knew he had to be tactful. He drew a deep breath and slammed his axe against the wood.

[A]

Namor. To what do I owe this illustrious visit? Love and honor, Jacob. Love and honor. My son Shechem has expressed a desire to marry your daughter Dinah. Is that so?

[B]

Jacob saw Leah exit her daughter's tent and cross her arms. She said nothing and she dared not, but Jacob knew her thoughts.

[A]

Oh, yes. Shechem's soul longs for your daughter, Jacob. Let us consider a marriage, and all my land can be opened up to you for trade and property and farming. It'll be great. It'll be stupendous. What do you say, Shechem? Good and fair, Jacob, let me find favor in your eyes. Dinah is a treasure. I would pay a hefty price to have her. How hefty a price?

[B]

Jacob turned. Simeon, Levi, Reuben, and Judah stood behind him, arms tense and ready to fight. Jacob did his best to hide his panic. He turned to Hamor and Shechem.

[A]

Gentlemen, surely you've met my four oldest sons. They are very protective of their sister. Gentlemen, name your price and I will pay it.

[B]

Jacob. Jacob turned to Simeon. He was surprisingly cool and calm. Simeon tilted his head and twitched his nose. Jacob could tell something was afoot in the back of Simeon's mind, but dared not ask in front of their guests.

[A]

There are 11 of us sons. Some of us have daughters of our own, almost of age. Why not strike a treaty between us? We were just suggesting this to your father. You have a wise son, Jacob. Indeed I do.

[B]

Simeon flashed a smile at his father. For a moment, it was as if Jacob was looking into a broken mirror. Simeon was scheming Something. But this wasn't a scheme of stew or sheep. Simeon had violence in mind.

[A]

It would disgrace us to give our sister to someone uncircumcised. We're sons of Abraham, after all. There are standards we must keep. Our only condition is that you and all your men be circumcised. Then we will give all our daughters to be with your men in marriage, and we can become one people, sharing in all things. What do you say?

[B]

These words pleased Hamor and Shechem. Not only did Shechem get his desire, but every man would get a wife, and the region would get to share in Jacob's vast resources. Yet they rejoiced naively. Jacob's sons would not forgive what Shechem had done to their sister. On the third day, the city lay in an uneasy silence, the kind that clung to the air like a lingering fog. The sun was sinking low, bleeding its last light across the city as it dipped toward the western horizon. The heat of the day met the cool breath of evening in a steep, strange embrace, an omen, perhaps, of the violence that hung in the balance. The men of the land, weary and sore, lay still in their beds, nursing the wounds from their circumcisions. Pain gnawed at them, but they bore it with grim resolve, knowing that suffering was the price for more livestock, more women, more power. They slept, their dreams painted with visions of young wives, the the soft clamor of coins and the steady bleating of sheep. As the sun finally yielded to the night, the moon cast its pallid beams behind a shroud of dark clouds, a harbinger of what was to come. The courtyard of Hamer's home was left unguarded, unmanned, as if fate itself had turned a blind eye. In the heavy stillness of the night, two figures moved with purpose, cloaked in shadow and armed with steel. Simeon and Levi, sons of Jacob, approached with swords in hand, their faces set in grim determination.

[A]

Are you ready, Levi? Ready, brother. Remember, no mercy, only judgment.

[B]

There would be no parley, no chance for bargains or pleasure. The time for words had long passed. With a ferocity born of righteous wrath, the brothers stormed the palace. One by one, they burst open doors, their swords flashing in the dim light, finding the throats of Hamor's men with ruthless precision. Some tried to flee, but their steps were crippled by the wounds inflicted days before. It had all been planned. Cripple the men first, make them weak, then strike when they could barely stand. Simeon and Levi moved like wolves in the fold, their swords singing a song of Vengeance. They left a trail of blood in their wake, crimson pools staining the stone floors. Simeon kicked open the door to Haman's chamber, where the old man stirred, his eyes wide with fear.

[A]

What is the meaning of this? I'm a simple man. I don't need to prep you with some speech about honor. You wouldn't understand anyway. Prepare to die.

[B]

Simeon slashed Hamor's throat. Hamor grasped at his neck, desperately trying to scream. He couldn't. He keeled over in his bed and died.

[A]

Just one left.

[B]

They did not burst through Shechem's door as they had the others. Instead, they opened it quietly, stepping inside as if they had all the time in the world. Dinah lay beside Shechem, her presence a silent witness to what was to come. Shechem's eyes widened at the sight of the brothers drenched in the blood of his kin. He tried to rise, but pain lanced through him, forcing him back onto the bed.

[A]

What on earth is going on out there? What have you done?

[B]

Levi moved to Dinah's side, taking her hand and leading her from the room with a gentle touch that belied the violence of the night. Simeon remained, his gaze fixed on Shechem. With a cold intensity, he tapped his sword on the stone floor and slowly approached.

[A]

We Hebrews aren't perfect. Follow my father around for a day and you'll realize that we aren't perfectly upright men, but we do have honor. That's something that seems so foreign to you Canaanites. Is this about your sister? I paid you handsomely for her. Oh, dear Shechem, you haven't paid nearly what you owe. Dinah told me what you did to her. She told me what you did and how you did it and where you did it. The price for that is more than some gold or land. Name your price and I will pay it. I'm glad you asked.

[B]

Simeon's voice was almost gentle as he placed the tip of his sword against Shechem's chest.

[A]

The price is your life.

[B]

He drove the blade deep, the iron cutting through flesh and bone. Shechem gasped, choking on blood, his eyes darting to the door where Dinah stood with Levi, watching. The prince's breath hitched, drowned in the blood that filled his lungs, and then he was still. When it was done, the brothers took all that remained. The wealth, the children, the women, all that was in the houses they captured and carried away. Mercy was a word that held no meaning for them. As dawn broke over the plains, Simeon and Levi returned with Dinah, blood still wet on their faces and tunics Jacob was waiting for them, his face a storm of fury and fear.

[A]

Foolish boys. What have you done? What you should have done. We gave Shechem and his entire household what they deserved. Idiots. Do you have any idea what trouble you've caused? You've made us a stink to the Canaanites and Perizzites. They outnumber us 10 to 1. What will we do if they decide to retaliate? And what should we have done, Father? Tell me. Refrain from being stupid. But it seems it was too hard a task for you. So you would have had Dinah shipped off like a movie mayor to that monster. You would have had her ravaged day and night in the chambers of that scoundrel just so you wouldn't have to stir the pot. You're despicable and a coward. Mind your tongue, Simeon. As you wish, Father.

[B]

Jacob stood alone, fists clenched, teeth grinding. A storm of emotions warred within him. Shame at his son's greater sense of honor. Terror at the prospect of the city's vengeance. Guilt for bringing his family into this place of doom instead of leading them straight to Bethel. He was a man caught between the duty of a father and the fear of a leader. And in that moment, the weight of both threatened to crush him. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Steven Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

[A]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. The holiday season can be exhausting with all the parties and the end of year celebrations. But don't forget to take care yourself by stocking up on your favorite nutritional products. Now through December 30th. Shop in store and online and save on items like Cliff Snack Bars, Luna Bars Boost Nutritional Energy Drinks, Premier Protein Shakes, Z Bar Variety Packs, Open Nature Powder and Body Fortress Protein powder offers end December 30th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. Okay, only 10 more presents to wrap. You're almost at the finish line. But first, There the last one. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes. Hear that? It's holiday cheer arriving at Ulta Beauty with gifts for everyone on your list. Treat them to fan favorite gift sets from Charlotte, Tilbury and Peach and Lily. Go all out with timeless fragrances from ysl, Ariana Grande and Carolina Herrera and you can never go wrong with an Ulta Beauty gift card. Head to Ulta Beauty for gifts that make the holidays brighter and even more beautiful. Ulta Beauty gifting happens here. Enterprise AI is redefining business operations and voice technology leads this transformation. While Alexa showcases consumer applications, AWS AI delivers enterprise scale voice solutions that are reshaping customer engagement across industries. Leverage Amazon's proven AI innovation to transform your customer experience and drive operational excellence. AWS AI the voice of innovation. Discover the Alexa story at aws.com AI our-story tis the season for identity theft. This time of year most of us are checking off our holiday gift lists. But guess what? Identity thieves have lists too, and your personal information might be on them. Protect your identity with LifeLock. LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points every second and alerts you to threats you could miss by yourself. Even if you keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements. If your identity is stolen, your own US based restoration specialist will fix it, guaranteed or your money back. And all plans are backed by the million dollar protection package. The last thing you want to do this holiday season is face drained accounts, fraudulent loans or other financial losses from identity theft all alone. Make this season about joy, not Identity theft. With LifeLock, save up to 40% your first year. Call 1-800-LIFELOCK and use promo code IHEART or go to lifelock.com iheart for 40% off. Terms apply. This is an iHEART podcast. Guaranteed Human.