Genesis 37:13

KJV

And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed [the flock] in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here [am I].

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto Joseph {H3130}, Do not thy brethren {H251} feed {H7462} the flock in Shechem {H7927}? come {H3212}, and I will send thee {H7971} unto them. And he said {H559} to him, Here am I.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isra'el asked Yosef, "Aren't your brothers pasturing the sheep in Sh'khem? Come, I will send you to them." He answered, "Here I am."

Berean Standard Bible

Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied.

American Standard Version

And Israel said unto Joseph, Are not thy brethren feeding the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:13 marks a pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative, depicting Israel (Jacob) dispatching his beloved son Joseph to inquire about his brothers and their flocks in Shechem. This seemingly routine paternal command, met with Joseph's immediate and obedient response, "Here am I," unwittingly initiates a profound sequence of events that will dramatically shape Joseph's destiny, test the very fabric of his family, and ultimately serve as a crucial step in God's sovereign plan for the emerging nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [Genesis 37:13](/genesis/37-13 "Jacob Sends Joseph to His Brothers") is one of profound family dysfunction and escalating tension within Jacob's household. The preceding verses establish Jacob's overt favoritism towards Joseph, evident in the special tunic he bestows upon him, as described in [Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Joseph's Coat of Many Colors"). This preferential treatment, coupled with Joseph's prophetic dreams detailing his future ascendancy over his brothers and parents (see [Genesis 37:5](/genesis/37-5 "Joseph's First Dream") and [Genesis 37:9](/genesis/37-9 "Joseph's Second Dream")), has ignited a deep-seated hatred among his older siblings. Jacob's seemingly innocuous command for Joseph to check on his brothers thus becomes the narrative hinge, propelling Joseph directly into the path of their malevolence, serving as the dramatic prelude to his betrayal and subsequent journey into Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** From a historical and cultural standpoint, the narrative reflects the patriarchal society of the ancient Near East, where the father's authority was paramount, and sons were expected to obey. Jacob, as the patriarch, holds responsibility for the well-being of his extensive family and their primary livelihood, which was pastoralism. Sending a son to check on the flocks and brothers was a common practice. The location, Shechem, holds particular historical weight for Jacob's family. While it was a known grazing area, it was also the site of the violent retribution exacted by Simeon and Levi after the rape of Dinah, recounted in [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Rape of Dinah and Vengeance of Simeon and Levi"). This history, though perhaps not immediately at the forefront of Jacob's mind regarding his sons' intentions, underscores the inherent dangers and complexities of travel and inter-clan relations in that era, adding a layer of dramatic irony to Jacob's seemingly simple request.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among them is **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates human actions—even those born of familial discord and seemingly mundane—to accomplish His grand redemptive plan, a truth powerfully articulated by Joseph himself in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Providence in Joseph's Life"). The theme of **Family Dysfunction** is starkly present, highlighting the destructive consequences of favoritism and jealousy, yet also setting the stage for eventual reconciliation and the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel. Furthermore, Joseph's immediate and unhesitating obedience introduces the theme of **Faithful Obedience**, a characteristic that will define his journey and trials, mirroring the obedience of other biblical figures called by God, such as [Abraham in Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Abraham's Obedience to God's Call").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_):** From שָׂרָה and אֵל; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel. In this context, the use of "Israel" rather than "Jacob" emphasizes his covenantal identity as the patriarch, the one who wrestled with God and prevailed ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob Wrestles with God")), underscoring the divine significance of the family line and the unfolding plan through his descendants.
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** Future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph. The name itself, meaning "he adds" or "may he add," carries profound narrative weight, foreshadowing Joseph's future role not only in adding to Jacob's lineage but, more significantly, in preserving and adding to the prosperity and survival of the entire family in Egypt.
* **Send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** A primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). This verb is pivotal, as Jacob's act of "sending" Joseph sets in motion the entire narrative of Joseph's journey, exile, suffering, and eventual exaltation, serving as a clear demonstration of God's sovereign orchestration through human agency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Israel said unto Joseph":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the primary actors and the patriarchal authority. "Israel" refers to Jacob, highlighting his divinely bestowed name and his position as the covenant head, initiating a crucial command to his beloved son, Joseph.
* **"Do not thy brethren feed [the flock] in Shechem?":** Jacob's question is rhetorical, serving as an inquiry and a preamble to his instruction. It reveals his concern for his other sons and their livelihood, indicating a desire for information about their well-being and the status of the flocks in a distant, potentially problematic, location.
* **"come, and I will send thee unto them.":** This is Jacob's direct command. The imperative "come" followed by "I will send thee" underscores Jacob's authoritative role. It is a paternal directive, seemingly simple, yet it carries immense narrative weight as it propels Joseph from the safety of home into the dangerous encounter with his brothers, setting the stage for the entire saga.
* **"And he said to him, Here [am I].":** Joseph's immediate and concise response is profoundly significant. The Hebrew *hineni* (הִנְנִי), translated as "Here am I," denotes a posture of ready availability, willingness, and full attention. It is a response of unhesitating obedience to a call, a characteristic that will define Joseph's faithful endurance through subsequent trials and ultimately enable him to fulfill God's redemptive purposes.

#### Literary Devices
In [Genesis 37:13](/genesis/37-13 "Jacob Sends Joseph to His Brothers"), several literary devices enhance the narrative's depth and dramatic tension. **Irony** is profoundly present, as Jacob's loving concern for his sons inadvertently sends his favored son directly into the hands of those who despise him, leading to his perceived demise. The seemingly routine pastoral errand functions as a powerful **inciting incident**, the narrative catalyst that sets in motion the entire Joseph saga. Joseph's simple yet profound response, "Here am I," serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at his future character of obedience, availability, and resilience in the face of immense trials. Furthermore, the specific mention of Shechem acts as an **allusion**, recalling the previous violent and deceitful episode involving Dinah and her brothers in [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Rape of Dinah and Vengeance of Simeon and Levi"), subtly hinting at the potential for danger and conflict that awaits Joseph, even if Jacob himself is unaware of the specific threat from his own sons. This verse, therefore, is not merely a factual account but a carefully crafted narrative moment laden with deeper meaning and dramatic tension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a powerful illustration of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates human decisions—even those seemingly ordinary or born of complex family dynamics—to advance His overarching redemptive plan. Jacob's simple instruction to Joseph, and Joseph's obedient response, become the divinely appointed means by which Joseph is set upon a path of suffering, testing, and eventual exaltation, all for the preservation of the covenant family and the future nation of Israel. It underscores the biblical truth that God's purposes are not thwarted by human sin or shortsightedness, but rather can be woven into the fabric of human history to bring about His perfect will. The narrative also highlights the profound significance of **Obedience and Availability** in the divine economy, as Joseph's ready "Here am I" positions him as an instrument for God's grand design, despite the immediate hardship it entails.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Providence in Joseph's Life")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah's Willingness to be Sent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 37:13](/genesis/37-13 "Jacob Sends Joseph to His Brothers") offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding the nature of obedience and divine calling. Joseph's immediate and unhesitating "Here am I" in response to his father's command, despite the unknown and perilous path ahead, serves as a powerful model of availability and trust. This challenges us to cultivate a similar posture of readiness and submission to God's leading in our own lives. It reminds us that seemingly small acts of obedience, or even difficult circumstances we are "sent" into, can be integral components of God's grand, sovereign plan for our lives and for the advancement of His kingdom. Our personal journeys, with all their unexpected turns and trials, are often interwoven with God's larger redemptive narrative, calling us to a faith that trusts His purposes even when the immediate path is unclear or painful. We are encouraged to embrace a spirit of "hineni" – a willingness to be present and available for whatever God calls us to, knowing He works all things for good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's "Here am I" challenge your own readiness to respond to God's call in your life?**
* **Can you identify times when a seemingly ordinary decision or instruction led to significant, unexpected developments in your life, reflecting God's providential hand?**
* **In what ways might God be "sending" you into situations that require a spirit of obedience, even if the outcome is uncertain or potentially difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob send Joseph to Shechem, given its troubled history for his family?**

Answer: While Shechem had a violent past for Jacob's family, as seen in [the events of Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "The Rape of Dinah and Vengeance of Simeon and Levi"), it was also a place where Jacob had previously settled and bought land ([Genesis 33:18-19](/genesis/33-18-19 "Jacob Arrives in Shechem and Buys Land")). It was a known pasturing ground in the region. Jacob likely sent Joseph there out of practical concern for his sons and their flocks, perhaps not fully aware of the depth of his sons' hatred for Joseph, or perhaps assuming the passage of time had dulled the memory of past dangers. From a theological perspective, this seemingly ordinary decision served as a crucial step in God's providential plan for Joseph and the future of Israel, demonstrating how divine purposes unfold through human circumstances.

**What is the significance of Joseph's response, "Here am I"?**

Answer: Joseph's response, "Here am I" (Hebrew: *hineni*), is a significant biblical phrase that denotes more than just a simple "yes" or "I'm here." It conveys a posture of immediate readiness, attentiveness, and willing availability to serve or be sent. It implies full commitment to the task or call, regardless of personal cost. This same phrase is used by other key biblical figures in moments of divine encounter or significant calling, such as [Abraham responding to God's command in Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Abraham's Obedience to God's Call") and [Isaiah responding to God's call to prophetic ministry in Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah's Willingness to be Sent"). Joseph's use of *hineni* highlights his obedient character and sets the stage for his willingness to endure hardship as part of God's larger redemptive plan for his family and the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 37:13](/genesis/37-13 "Jacob Sends Joseph to His Brothers") offers a compelling typological foreshadowing of Christ, particularly through Joseph's role as a figure sent by the father. Just as Jacob, the earthly father, sends his beloved son Joseph on a mission that leads to suffering and eventual exaltation, so too did God the Father send His beloved Son, Jesus, into the world. Joseph's immediate and obedient response, "Here am I," powerfully parallels Christ's perfect and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience"). Joseph was sent to his brothers, who ultimately rejected and betrayed him, echoing how Christ "came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him," as recorded in [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Christ Came to His Own"). Yet, through this rejection and suffering, both Joseph and Christ became the means of salvation and preservation for their respective peoples. Joseph's journey, initiated by this sending, thus prefigures the divine mission, the obedient suffering, and the ultimate redemptive triumph of Jesus Christ, who, like Joseph, would become the savior of many, not only His people but also the nations, fulfilling the promise of [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

1 Samuel 17:17

And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched [corn], and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;

1 Samuel 17:20

And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

Luke 20:13

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence [him] when they see him.

Genesis 27:18

¶ And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here [am] I; who [art] thou, my son?

Genesis 27:1

¶ And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, [here am] I.