Genesis 37:17

KJV

And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} said {H559}, They are departed {H5265} hence {H2088}; for I heard {H8085} them say {H559}, Let us go {H3212} to Dothan {H1886}. And Joseph {H3130} went {H3212} after {H310} his brethren {H251}, and found {H4672} them in Dothan {H1886}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man said, "They've left here; because I heard them say, 'Let's go to Dotan.'"Yosef went after his brothers and found them in Dotan.

Berean Standard Bible

“They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph set out after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

American Standard Version

And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 37:17 marks a pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative, detailing his persistent search for his brothers, which, guided by an anonymous individual, redirects him from Shechem to Dothan. This seemingly minor geographical shift is divinely orchestrated, setting the stage for Joseph's betrayal, his descent into slavery, and the subsequent unfolding of God's redemptive plan, not only for the nascent nation of Israel but also for the surrounding peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the foundational narrative of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, which spans from [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal") through [Genesis 50](/genesis/50 "Genesis 50 - Joseph Forgives His Brothers and Dies"). Prior to this verse, Joseph's father, Jacob, had dispatched him from the Valley of Hebron to check on his brothers, who were pasturing the family flocks near Shechem. Joseph's arrival in Shechem (Genesis 37:14) reveals his brothers are not there. The intervention of the "man" in this verse provides crucial information, having overheard Joseph's brothers discussing their move to Dothan. Joseph's subsequent journey to Dothan exemplifies his obedience to his father and his diligence in fulfilling his assigned task, unknowingly walking directly into the trap laid by his resentful brethren, as detailed in [Genesis 37:18-28](/genesis/37-18-28 "The Brothers' Plot and Sale of Joseph").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pastoralism was the primary livelihood of Jacob's family, necessitating movement to find suitable grazing lands. Shechem and Dothan were known areas for pasturage in ancient Canaan. Shechem, located north of Jerusalem, was a significant historical and religious site, where Abraham first built an altar (cf. [Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Abraham builds an altar in Shechem")). Dothan, situated further north, about 10-15 miles from Shechem, was strategically located on a major trade route, making it a place where caravans, like the Midianite traders, would pass (cf. [Genesis 37:25](/genesis/37-25 "Joseph sold to Midianites")). This geographical detail is crucial, as it facilitates Joseph's sale into slavery and his eventual journey to Egypt, highlighting the realism and historical grounding of the narrative. The family dynamics, particularly the favoritism shown to Joseph and his brothers' deep-seated jealousy, reflect common ancient Near Eastern familial tensions, though here escalated to a dangerous degree.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 37:17 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the broader book of Genesis. The most prominent is **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly orchestrates seemingly random events and human actions to fulfill His purposes, even through human malice. Joseph's obedience and diligence, even when leading him into peril, underscore the theme of **Faithfulness in Adversity**, a motif that will define his entire life story. The brothers' move to Dothan, and Joseph's pursuit, also highlights the theme of **Brotherly Conflict and Reconciliation**, which is a recurring pattern in Genesis, from Cain and Abel to Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau. Here, the conflict reaches a critical point, foreshadowing the eventual reconciliation and preservation of the covenant family, as seen in [Genesis 45](/genesis/45 "Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 37:17 marks a critical turning point in the Joseph narrative, transforming a simple errand into the catalyst for profound suffering and ultimate exaltation. Joseph's journey, initially to Shechem, is redirected to Dothan by the timely intervention of an unnamed individual. This seemingly coincidental encounter underscores a deeper divine orchestration at play. Joseph's unwavering commitment to his father's command, even in the face of initial failure to locate his brothers, propels him towards his destiny.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** The Hebrew term H376, _ʼîysh_, refers to a man as an individual or a male person. In this context, the anonymity of the "man" is highly significant. He is not named, nor is his background explained, emphasizing his role as a mere instrument in a larger divine plan. His sudden appearance and precise information are pivotal, serving as a catalyst for the next, most challenging phase of Joseph's life. His lack of identity highlights that God can use anyone, even seemingly insignificant individuals, to accomplish His purposes.
* **went (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** The Hebrew root H3212, _yâlak_, means "to walk" or "to go," often implying purposeful movement. Here, it describes Joseph's determined pursuit of his brothers. This "going" is not merely physical locomotion but represents Joseph's active obedience to his father's command. His persistence in "going after his brethren" despite the initial difficulty in locating them demonstrates his diligence and commitment, unknowingly leading him directly into the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.
* **Dothan (Hebrew, _Dôthân'_):** H1886, _Dôthân_, is a specific geographical location, often interpreted as "two wells" or "two cisterns." Its mention anchors the narrative in a real historical setting. Crucially, Dothan becomes the threshold of Joseph's trial. It is here that his brothers will conspire against him, casting him into a pit and then selling him into slavery. This geographical shift from Shechem to Dothan is not random but divinely purposed, leading Joseph to the very place where God's long-term plan for him and his family would begin to unfold through adversity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man said, They are departed hence;":** This clause introduces the anonymous individual who provides critical information. His statement confirms that Joseph's initial search in Shechem was fruitless, as the brothers had already moved on. The "man's" knowledge is precise and timely, serving as a crucial turning point in the narrative.
* **"for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan.":** The "man" reveals the specific destination of Joseph's brothers, based on what he overheard. This detail is vital, as it provides Joseph with the exact location needed to continue his search, unknowingly leading him into the place of his imminent betrayal and suffering. The casual nature of the overheard conversation underscores the seemingly ordinary circumstances through which God's extraordinary plan unfolds.
* **"And Joseph went after his brethren,":** This phrase highlights Joseph's unwavering obedience and perseverance. Despite the extended search and the need to travel further, Joseph diligently follows the new lead. His pursuit demonstrates his commitment to his father's command, even as it leads him into a perilous situation.
* **"and found them in Dothan.":** The culmination of Joseph's search. His success in locating his brothers in Dothan is, paradoxically, the moment his life takes a dramatic turn towards suffering. This "finding" is not a happy reunion but the prelude to his betrayal and sale into slavery, marking the beginning of God's intricate plan for his life and the salvation of his family.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Genesis 37:17 employs several literary devices. **Divine Providence** is subtly yet powerfully conveyed through the seemingly coincidental appearance of the unnamed man. His precise information, which redirects Joseph, highlights God's unseen hand guiding events towards a predetermined outcome, even through human agency. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the shift to Dothan; though Joseph finds his brothers, this "finding" immediately precedes his descent into the pit and slavery, signaling a dramatic and difficult turn in his life. The **Anonymity** of the man is also a significant literary choice, emphasizing that he is merely an instrument in God's larger design, rather than a character of intrinsic narrative importance. This anonymity underscores the idea that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or identity, to fulfill His sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:17 serves as a profound illustration of God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating how His sovereign plan unfolds through seemingly ordinary circumstances and unexpected encounters. The "man's" casual information and Joseph's simple obedience are not random but are precisely aligned with God's overarching purposes, demonstrating His meticulous orchestration of events. This verse underscores the theme that God's ways are often mysterious, using both human diligence and unforeseen interactions to advance His redemptive agenda, even when the immediate outcome appears to be suffering or setback. It reminds us that even the most mundane details of life can be interwoven into God's grand tapestry of salvation.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:17 serves as a profound reminder that God's intricate plan often unfolds through seemingly mundane circumstances and unexpected encounters. Just as Joseph's simple act of obedience and perseverance led him to Dothan, a place of profound consequence and suffering, our own daily decisions and seemingly small steps can be part of a greater divine purpose. This narrative encourages believers to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that even when we are unknowingly heading into difficult or painful situations, God can use all things—even the malicious intentions of others—to bring about His ultimate will and good for those who love Him. Our task is to remain obedient and diligent in our callings, trusting Him with the outcomes, knowing that His perspective is eternal and His purposes are always good. We are called to faithfulness in the journey, even when the path is unclear or leads through unexpected valleys, confident that He is always at work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the anonymity of the "man" in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's providence in your own life?**
* **In what ways has your obedience to God's call, or even simple diligence in daily tasks, led you into unexpected or difficult situations that later revealed a deeper purpose?**
* **How can the story of Joseph's journey to Dothan strengthen your trust in God's sovereignty, especially when facing circumstances that seem unjust or out of your control?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "man" in this verse unnamed?**

Answer: The unnamed "man" (Hebrew: _ʼîysh_) in [Genesis 37:17](/genesis/37-17 "Joseph Finds His Brothers in Dothan") serves a crucial, yet transient, role in the narrative. His anonymity emphasizes that he is an instrument of divine providence rather than a significant character in his own right. His purpose is simply to provide the necessary information to guide Joseph to Dothan, thereby facilitating the next stage of God's plan. His lack of identity underscores the idea that God can use anyone, even seemingly insignificant individuals, to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that His sovereign hand is at work even in the most ordinary and unexpected encounters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's journey to Dothan, leading to his betrayal and suffering at the hands of his own brethren, serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ. Joseph, the beloved son sent by his father (cf. [Genesis 37:13](/genesis/37-13 "Jacob Sends Joseph to His Brothers")), is rejected by his own family, sold for a price (cf. [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold for Twenty Pieces of Silver")), and descends into apparent powerlessness, much like Christ who was the beloved Son sent by His Father (cf. [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")), rejected by His own people (cf. [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He Came to His Own")), betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (cf. [Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus")), and humbled unto death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ Humbled Himself")). Yet, just as Joseph's suffering in Dothan and subsequent enslavement were the necessary steps for his exaltation and the salvation of his family and many nations (cf. [Genesis 41:40-41](/genesis/41-40-41 "Joseph's Exaltation in Egypt")), so too was Christ's suffering and death the divinely ordained path to His resurrection, exaltation, and the eternal salvation of all who believe (cf. [Hebrews 2:9-10](/hebrews/2-9-10 "Jesus Crowned with Glory and Honor") and [Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Death")). Dothan, the place of Joseph's initial descent into suffering, foreshadows the cross, the place where the ultimate Son of God began His path to universal dominion and eternal redemption, turning what was intended for evil into the greatest good (cf. [Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23-24 "Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")).

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

2 Kings 6:13

¶ And he said, Go and spy where he [is], that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, [he is] in Dothan.