And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
What does Genesis 37:12 mean?
How readily does Joseph wait his father's orders! Those children who are best beloved by their parents, should be the most ready to obey them.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Genesis 37:12-14 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Genesis 37:12
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. Joseph is sent to Dothan. Shekem belonged to Jacob; part of it by purchase, and the rest by conquest. Joseph is sent to inquire of their welfare ( shalom "peace," Genesis 37:4 ). With obedient promptness the youth goes to Shekem, where he learns that they had removed to Dothan, a town about twelve miles due north of Shekem.
Key words
- brethren
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And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.
- flock
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And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.
- Shechem
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And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.
Context in Genesis 37
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Genesis 37 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as the family line through Isaac and Jacob. Genesis opens the whole Bible with creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the long patriarchal story that carries the reader from Eden to Egypt. Read this chapter with the wider themes of creation, fall, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Glossary
- Shechem Place
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Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Tell Balatah.