Genesis 34:23

23 If we do this, their cattle and their animals will belong to us. Let us do what they say, and they will stay in our land."

Genesis 34:23 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:23

Shall not their cattle, and their substance, and every beast
of theirs, [be] ours?
&c.] Which would in course come into their families in process of time, by intermarrying with them, or, being more numerous and powerful than they, could seize upon them when they pleased, and take all they had: thus they argue from the profit and advantage that would accrue to them by admitting them among them, upon their terms; and this argument, taken from worldly interest, they knew would have great influence upon them: only let us consent unto them;
in the affair of circumcision: and they will dwell with us;
and what by trading with them, and marrying among them, all their wealth and riches will come into our hands.

Genesis 34:23 In-Context

21 "These people want to be friends with us. So let them live in our land and trade here. There is enough land for all of us. Let us marry their women, and we can let them marry our women.

22 But we must agree to one thing: All our men must be circumcised as they are. Then they will agree to live in our land, and we will be one people.

23 If we do this, their cattle and their animals will belong to us. Let us do what they say, and they will stay in our land."

24 All the people who had come to the city gate heard this. They agreed with Hamor and Shechem, and every man was circumcised.

25 Three days later the men who were circumcised were still in pain. Two of Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi (Dinah's brothers), took their swords and made a surprise attack on the city, killing all the men there.