Footnote

a It should be noted that prior to this, Jacob had taken firm steps to protect his family from the influence of the Canaanites. He built an altar, doubtless of a style that set him apart from his Canaanite neighbors. (Genesis 33:20; Exodus 20:24, 25) Furthermore, he pitched his camp outside the city of Shechem and established his own water supply. (Genesis 33:18; John 4:6, 12) Dinah would thus have been well aware of Jacob’s desire that she not associate with the Canaanites.