It seems that our central problem in assessing the Torah's position with regard to the deed of Shimon and Levi, is the tension that arises between the story here and Yaakov's words to them at the end of his life.
From the point of view of Yaakov: if his criticism is indeed so fearsome and it is based on morality, why did he not voice his views at the time of the incident, or immediately thereafter?
From the point of view of the Torah: how does the Torah judge the actions of Shimon and Levi, and how are we to view them?
Through a close examination of the story of Dina, we are forced to re-examine this principal dilemma - the contradiction that arises between the narrative itself, with all its aspects, and Yaakov's blessing – or, more accurately, his curse – to Shimon and Levi. We propose that the solution be sought by paying attention to the respective locations of the two different evaluations of the act and its significance.
