Joseph’s brothers’ simple trip to pasture the flock in Shechem sets the stage for greater conflict and God’s ultimate redemptive plan.
Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem (v.12). At this point in the story, Joseph’s brothers leave their home to care for the vast herds belonging to their father Jacob (who was born around 2006 BC and lived until approximately 1859 BC). This act demonstrates the regular responsibilities of their pastoral life and sets in motion events that will soon affect Joseph’s own journey in profound ways. Although nothing dramatic is stated explicitly here, these few words ground us in the everyday reality that Joseph and his family inhabited, hinting at the tension forming between Joseph and his older siblings.
The mention of Shechem (v.12) is significant. Shechem was an ancient city located in the central region of Canaan, near what is now the modern-day city of Nablus in the West Bank. Its history stretches back to the time of Abraham (who lived around 2166 BC to 1991 BC), making it one of the earliest places settled in the biblical narrative. This land had already been a place of both promise and conflict for Joseph’s forefathers (Genesis 12:6), underscoring the importance and continuity of God’s unfolding plan in this region.
Furthermore, when Joseph’s brothers took the flock to Shechem, it introduced a developing thread in the biblical story. Although Joseph’s father Jacob had shown favor to Joseph above his siblings (Genesis 37:3), the brothers continued in the daily work of tending the livestock. Their journey to Shechem reveals an ordinary assignment with extraordinary consequences, as it will ultimately help move Joseph into God’s bigger plan, foreshadowing salvation themes that will later point to Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28).
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Genesis 37:12 meaning
Then his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock in Shechem (v.12). At this point in the story, Joseph’s brothers leave their home to care for the vast herds belonging to their father Jacob (who was born around 2006 BC and lived until approximately 1859 BC). This act demonstrates the regular responsibilities of their pastoral life and sets in motion events that will soon affect Joseph’s own journey in profound ways. Although nothing dramatic is stated explicitly here, these few words ground us in the everyday reality that Joseph and his family inhabited, hinting at the tension forming between Joseph and his older siblings.
The mention of Shechem (v.12) is significant. Shechem was an ancient city located in the central region of Canaan, near what is now the modern-day city of Nablus in the West Bank. Its history stretches back to the time of Abraham (who lived around 2166 BC to 1991 BC), making it one of the earliest places settled in the biblical narrative. This land had already been a place of both promise and conflict for Joseph’s forefathers (Genesis 12:6), underscoring the importance and continuity of God’s unfolding plan in this region.
Furthermore, when Joseph’s brothers took the flock to Shechem, it introduced a developing thread in the biblical story. Although Joseph’s father Jacob had shown favor to Joseph above his siblings (Genesis 37:3), the brothers continued in the daily work of tending the livestock. Their journey to Shechem reveals an ordinary assignment with extraordinary consequences, as it will ultimately help move Joseph into God’s bigger plan, foreshadowing salvation themes that will later point to Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28).