The War of Jacob's Sons Against the Men of Shechem

Gaster, The Exempla of the Rabbis (1924), No. 337

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·April 19, 2026

Story of the war of Jacob and his children against the inhabitants of Sichem and of the valorous deeds performed by them.

Themes

Patriarchs Divine Justice Ethics

Biblical References

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Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisLaban Runs to the Well When He Sees the GoldRivekah had only just finished her story, gold still on her hand, when her brother Laban moved. The Torah's text is brief, but Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on (Genesi Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisLaban Hurries to Separate Every Marked Goat From JakobThe moment the deal was struck, Laban moved fast. Targum Pseudo-Jonathan describes him that same day separating out every goat marked on its feet, every spotted Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisThe Sons of Jacob Came in From the Field"And the sons of Jacob had come up from the field when they heard. And the men were indignant, and very violently moved, because Shekem had wrought dishonour in Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisJacob Rebukes His Sons for Endangering the Family"You have made my name to go forth as evil among the inhabitants of the land, among the Kenaanites and Phezerites. And I am a people of small number, and they w Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisShould Our Sister Be Treated Like a HarlotSimeon and Levi answered their father Jacob with a question that has rung through every generation since. Targum Pseudo-Jonathan (Genesis 34:31) gives them a lo Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on GenesisWhy the Brothers Chose a Goat's Blood for Joseph's CoatThe brothers had to produce evidence. Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on (Genesis 37:31) explains their choice of weapon-of-deception with clinical precision: they kille