בראשית, פרק ל״ד, פסוק י״ח

The intense negotiations following the abduction of Jacob's daughter reach a pivotal turning point when the local leaders completely accept the brothers' demanding terms. Hamor and his son Shechem fully embrace the conditions set before them, concluding that their proposal to intermarry and merge with Jacob's family will indeed be accepted, provided they agree to circumcise themselves [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

It is significant that this condition is embraced not just by the father, but specifically by the son as well. On the surface, this might seem obvious. Since the son is the one who desperately wants the young woman, he would naturally agree to whatever his father accepts. However, Shechem's agreement comes from a deeper understanding of the situation. He recognizes the anger and irritation driving the brothers during the discussion. He trusts that by performing such a significant act and circumcising himself solely for their sister, he will completely appease them. In his eyes, taking this step serves as a fitting atonement for the severe blow he dealt to their family's honor [העמק דבר].