Genesis 34:14

uncircumcised The passage contains the interesting and early tradition, that circumcision was not practised by the Canaanite dwellers in Shechem. On the widespread prevalence of this rite, see note on ch. 15. In J and E, Israelite circumcision is specially connected with the names of Moses and Joshua (Exodus 4:25; Joshua 5:2). The peculiar treachery of Jacob's sons is made to turn upon their insistence on the sacred national rite of circumcision. The condition which Shechem, in Genesis 34:19 (J), undertakes to satisfy, is not explained, in view of E's account (Genesis 34:13).

a reproach Compare the similar expression in Joshua 5:9, where it appears that the Egyptians reproached the Israelites for their neglect of circumcision.