Following the massacre at Shechem in chapter 34, it is natural that Jacob and his sons would expect retaliation from the Canaanites. See 34.30.
Some interpreters hold that verse 5 is the conclusion of chapter 34, and Moffatt places it after 34.29. Translators are advised to follow the order of Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.
As they journeyed: the Hebrew verb here refers to pulling up tent pegs, a figurative way of referring to breaking camp, or getting ready to move. We may translate, for example, “As they were preparing to leave,” “… were breaking up camp,” “… beginning the journey to Bethel.”
A terror from God: this expression refers to the panic or paralyzing fear that arises in the hearts of people when they learn that their enemies have had a great success in battle. The expression comes from the carrying out of holy wars as seen in Exo 23.27 and Josh 10.10 (“panic”). See also 1 Sam 14.15; 2 Chr 14.14. God is ʾelohim and is used here in a descriptive sense, meaning “exceedingly great,” as was pointed out in 30.8. Accordingly Good News Translation says “great fear,” and this is the usage recommended by the Handbook. However, many modern translations prefer to retain God as the source of the terror.
So that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob: pursue in this context means to “attack,” “go after,” “get revenge.” The sons of Jacob are mentioned here as the ones who killed and looted in Shechem. Note how Good News Translation shifts Jacob’s sons to the beginning of the verse and says here “did not pursue them.” Translators may find this a suitable model.
Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .