Abstract:
This article explored the rape of Dinah in Genesis 34:1–28 and its implications to the escalating
rape cases during the period of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria. By
examining the rape in the pericope and other key passages in the Old Testament, this article
argues that it points towards care and justice for victims of rape, and prosecution of rapists.
These social ethics are analysed in relation to the contemporary rape epidemic during the
COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Like the rape in Genesis, rape victims in Nigeria have little or
no access to getting justice and counselling from society, non-government organisations and
faith-based organisations, against their aggressors (the rapists). These problems highlight the
relevance of this biblical narrative for the policyholders, the government and churches in
Nigeria.
Intra/interdisciplinary implications: This research is based on the impact of rape on the
victim and the aggressor in Genesis 34:1–28. Similar to what is obtainable amongst Nigerians
during the COVID-19 pandemic, Genesis 34:1–28 reveals that rape has far reaching implications
on the victim and the aggressor. It leads to low self-esteem, hate, suicide as well as the death
of the aggressor or victim. Disciplines implicated include Old Testament, Religion, Cultural
Studies and Sociology.
