Genesis 29:3

And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.

And thither were all the flocks {H5739} gathered {H622}: and they rolled {H1556} the stone {H68} from the well's {H875} mouth {H6310}, and watered {H8248} the sheep {H6629}, and put {H7725} the stone {H68} again {H7725} upon the well's {H875} mouth {H6310} in his place {H4725}.

and only when all the flocks had gathered there would they roll the stone away from the opening of the well and water the sheep. Then they would put the stone back in its place on the well's opening.

When all the flocks had been gathered there, the shepherds would roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well.

And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well’s mouth in its place.

Commentary

Genesis 29:3 describes a common scene of pastoral life in the ancient Near East, setting the stage for Jacob's significant encounter with Rachel. The verse highlights the communal practices surrounding vital resources like water in a semi-arid land.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing Jacob's journey to Haran, following his departure from Beersheba after receiving God's promises in a dream (Genesis 28:10). Upon arriving in the land of the people of the east, Jacob encounters shepherds gathered at a well. The practice described—waiting for all flocks to assemble before rolling back the large stone—underscores the critical importance of water and the established social customs for its management and distribution among pastoral communities.

Key Themes

  • Communal Cooperation and Stewardship: The requirement for "all the flocks" to be gathered before the stone was rolled indicates a system of shared labor and responsibility. This ensured equitable access to water, a precious commodity, and prevented individual shepherds from monopolizing the well or depleting it prematurely. It speaks to the communal stewardship of resources.
  • Resource Management in Antiquity: The large stone served practical purposes: it protected the well from debris, prevented evaporation, and likely regulated access, ensuring that the water source remained clean and sustainable for everyone. This reflects ancient wisdom in managing vital, limited resources.
  • Everyday Life as a Backdrop for Divine Providence: This seemingly mundane act of watering sheep is crucial to the unfolding narrative. It is at this well, amidst these daily routines, that Jacob will soon meet Rachel, a pivotal moment in his life and in the history of Israel.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "well" here is be'er (בְּאֵר), a common term for a water source, often dug deep into the earth. The "stone" (even, אֶבֶן) at the well's mouth implies a significant, heavy cover, necessitating collective effort to move it, reinforcing the theme of communal responsibility.

Related Scriptures

  • For the importance of wells and water in the patriarchal narratives, see Genesis 26:18, where Isaac's servants reopened Abraham's wells.
  • The immediate next verses describe Jacob's pivotal meeting with Rachel at this very well, a moment of divine providence. See Genesis 29:9-10.

Practical Application

Genesis 29:3 reminds us of the value of cooperation and shared responsibility, especially when managing common resources. In our own lives, whether in families, communities, or workplaces, there are "stones" that require collective effort to move, highlighting the power of unity. Furthermore, it subtly teaches that even in the most routine tasks of life, God's providential hand can be at work, leading us to significant encounters and fulfilling His purposes.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.