“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Joseph, the son of Jacob (also known as Israel) and Rachel. Joseph was favored by his father, which caused jealousy among his brothers. In this particular verse, we see Jacob instructing Joseph to go and check on his brothers who were tending to the flock in Shechem.
Let’s explore the verse in more detail:
- Israel’s concern:The verse begins with Jacob, also known as Israel, expressing his concern for his other sons. He asks Joseph if his brothers are still feeding the flock in Shechem. This demonstrates that Jacob was attentive to his sons’ activities and had an interest in their well-being. It also shows that Shechem was a significant location for the family’s flock.
- Jacob’s instruction:Jacob tells Joseph to go and find his brothers. Sending Joseph to Shechem would allow him to provide a report back to Jacob regarding his brothers’ welfare and the progress of the flock. It shows Jacob’s trust in Joseph and his willingness to rely on him for important tasks.
- Joseph’s response:Joseph immediately responds to his father’s command with humility and obedience. He says, “Here am I,” indicating his readiness to fulfill his father’s request. Joseph’s response reflects his respect for his father and his willingness to carry out his instructions.
This verse sets the stage for the events that follow in Joseph’s life, including his encounter with his brothers and their subsequent actions towards him. It also highlights the dynamics within Jacob’s family, where Joseph stood out as a favored son, which ultimately fueled his brothers’ jealousy.
In summary, Genesis 37:13 provides a glimpse into the relationship between Jacob and his son Joseph. It illustrates Jacob’s concern for his other sons and his trust in Joseph to carry out an important task. Joseph’s obedient response demonstrates his respect for his father and willingness to fulfill his father’s request.
