Genesis 37:12

¶ And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.

And his brethren {H251} went {H3212} to feed {H7462} their father's {H1} flock {H6629} in Shechem {H7927}.

After this, when his brothers had gone to pasture their father's sheep in Sh'khem,

Some time later, Joseph’s brothers had gone to pasture their father’s flocks near Shechem.

And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.

Commentary

Genesis 37:12 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph, Jacob's favored son, setting the stage for the dramatic events that will shape the destiny of the Israelite family. This seemingly simple statement about the daily lives of shepherds carries significant weight in the unfolding biblical story.

Historical and Cultural Context

At this point in the patriarchal narrative, Jacob and his large family are settled in the land of Canaan. Shepherding was the primary occupation, requiring the sons to often lead their father's extensive flocks to distant pastures in search of graze. Shechem was a well-known and fertile area, approximately 50 miles north of Hebron, where Jacob and his immediate family resided. However, Shechem also carried a complicated history for Jacob's family, notably being the site of the violent incident involving his daughter Dinah and her brothers' retaliatory actions, as recorded in Genesis 34. The journey to Shechem highlights the geographical scope of their pastoral activities and foreshadows the upcoming separation of Joseph from his family.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Routine of Pastoral Life: The verse grounds the grand patriarchal story in the mundane, showcasing the daily duties of Jacob's sons as they tended to their father's livelihood. "To feed their father's flock" (Hebrew: רָעָה, ra'ah, meaning to pasture, tend, or shepherd) emphasizes their responsibility in caring for the family's wealth.
  • Setting the Stage for Conflict: While appearing innocuous, this journey to Shechem provides the backdrop for the subsequent, critical events. It creates the physical distance and opportunity for Joseph to be sent to them, leading directly to his brothers' envy and betrayal. This seemingly ordinary act of shepherding is divinely orchestrated to move the plot forward, culminating in Joseph's dramatic encounter with his brothers.
  • Geographical Significance: The mention of Shechem is not arbitrary. It was a place where Abraham had built an altar (Genesis 12:6-7) and where Jacob had purchased land and built an altar himself (Genesis 33:18-20). Its recurring appearance in the patriarchal narratives underscores its importance in the unfolding history of God's covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "to feed their father's flock" uses the verb ra'ah (רָעָה), which is much more comprehensive than simply "feeding." It encompasses the full role of a shepherd: leading, guiding, protecting, and caring for the flock. This term is often used metaphorically in the Bible for leadership and spiritual oversight, as seen in passages describing God as the ultimate Shepherd of His people.

Practical Application

Genesis 37:12 reminds us that God's grand plans often unfold through the most ordinary circumstances. The brothers' routine task of pasturing sheep was unknowingly a step in God's sovereign plan for Joseph and, ultimately, for the salvation of their family and the future of Israel. It encourages us to see divine purpose even in our daily, seemingly insignificant activities. Furthermore, it highlights the complex dynamics within families, where shared responsibilities can coexist with deep-seated tensions, as seen in the jealousies that had been brewing since Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 34:25 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.

  • Genesis 34:31 (2 votes)

    And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?

  • Genesis 37:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.

  • Genesis 33:18 (2 votes)

    And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which [is] in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.