“And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Jacob’s journey to find a wife from his uncle Laban’s family. Jacob had arrived in the land of Haran and encountered a group of shepherds near a well. He inquired about Laban and his family and learned that they were familiar with them. In response to Jacob’s question, the shepherds explain why they are waiting before watering their sheep.
This passage reveals several significant elements that we can explore further:
- Waiting for the flocks to be gathered: The shepherds mention that they cannot water their sheep until all the flocks are gathered together. This indicates that it was a customary practice to wait for all the shepherds to arrive before accessing the water source. The shepherds likely wanted to ensure fairness and equality by allowing everyone to have a chance to water their flocks without any favoritism or disputes.
- Rolling the stone from the well’s mouth: Another reason for the delay mentioned by the shepherds is the presence of a stone covering the well’s mouth. To access the water, they needed to remove the stone first. This action required physical effort, coordination, and the participation of multiple shepherds to accomplish.
These details provide insights into the social dynamics and customs of that time. The shepherds operated collectively, cooperating to fulfill their responsibilities while respecting the agreed-upon practices of the community.
From a broader perspective, this verse highlights the theme of patience and waiting. Jacob had just arrived in a foreign land and was eager to find his relatives. The delay in watering the sheep serves as a reminder that sometimes we must exercise patience and abide by established protocols before achieving our desired goals. It encourages us to respect the customs and practices of others, demonstrating a willingness to work in harmony with those around us.
Additionally, this verse can also be seen as foreshadowing Jacob’s future experiences in Laban’s household. Jacob faced various trials and challenges during his time with Laban, including working for fourteen years to marry his beloved Rachel. The process of waiting for the flocks to be gathered and the stone to be rolled represents a precursor to Jacob’s patience and perseverance in the years to come.
