What does Genesis 34:23 mean?

Once again, Hamor and Shechem appeal to prosperity as a reason for all the city's men to be circumcised (Genesis 34:20–22). Jacob's extraordinary wealth (Genesis 30:43) would be open to the town through trade and marriage, on this condition (Genesis 34:14–16). That, at least, is what Hamor and Shechem have been led to believe (Genesis 34:13). This stipulation is actually a trap. After Shechem raped Dinah (Genesis 34:1–3), her brothers have set up their revenge using trickery (Genesis 34:7–8).

It's noteworthy that the brutal assault on Dinah isn't mentioned in this sales pitch. Scripture is notoriously concise, so it's possible that the subject came up during this discussion. The first point the Bible records, however, is a statement that Jacob's clan is "at peace." In the context of all that's happened, it's likely that news of Shechem's crime has spread. That, in turn, would lead to concerns about retaliation. It's entirely possible this reference to peace is just as much a bit of fear-mongering: they're not at war with us, yet, but…