Genesis 37:12 - His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
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What does "Genesis 37:12" mean?
Genesis 37:12, "His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem," sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow concerning Joseph. Let's break down what it means:
"His brothers": This refers to Joseph's half-brothers, the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel).
"went to feed their father's flock": Their primary occupation was shepherding, tending to their father Jacob's livestock (sheep and goats). This was a common and vital task in that agricultural society.
"in Shechem": This specifies the location where they were pasturing the flock. Shechem was a significant city located about 50 miles north of Hebron (where Jacob and Joseph were living at the time). It was a place where Jacob had previously lived (Genesis 33:18-20) and was associated with a violent episode involving his sons (Genesis 34). The fact that they were so far away from home is a significant detail, setting the scene for isolation and vulnerability.
In summary, this verse describes a routine event: Joseph's brothers were doing their job as shepherds, taking their father's flock to pasture in Shechem. However, contextually, this simple statement is loaded with potential conflict and foreshadows the trouble that Joseph will soon face at their hands. It establishes the setting and the opportunity for the brothers to act on their jealousy and resentment towards Joseph.
Genesis 37:12 - His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
What does "Genesis 37:12" mean?
Genesis 37:12, "His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem," sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow concerning Joseph. Let's break down what it means:
"His brothers": This refers to Joseph's half-brothers, the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel).
"went to feed their father's flock": Their primary occupation was shepherding, tending to their father Jacob's livestock (sheep and goats). This was a common and vital task in that agricultural society.
"in Shechem": This specifies the location where they were pasturing the flock. Shechem was a significant city located about 50 miles north of Hebron (where Jacob and Joseph were living at the time). It was a place where Jacob had previously lived (Genesis 33:18-20) and was associated with a violent episode involving his sons (Genesis 34). The fact that they were so far away from home is a significant detail, setting the scene for isolation and vulnerability.
In summary, this verse describes a routine event: Joseph's brothers were doing their job as shepherds, taking their father's flock to pasture in Shechem. However, contextually, this simple statement is loaded with potential conflict and foreshadows the trouble that Joseph will soon face at their hands. It establishes the setting and the opportunity for the brothers to act on their jealousy and resentment towards Joseph.