Some time laterThis phrase indicates a passage of time since the previous events, where Joseph had shared his dreams with his brothers, causing jealousy and animosity. It suggests a transition in the narrative, moving from the familial tensions to the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph's life.
Joseph’s brothers had gone
The brothers' departure signifies a separation from Joseph, setting the stage for the events that will lead to Joseph's journey to Egypt. This separation is crucial for the unfolding of God's providential plan, as it allows for the circumstances that will lead to Joseph's eventual rise to power.
to pasture their father’s flocks
Shepherding was a common occupation in ancient Israel, reflecting the pastoral lifestyle of the patriarchs. The brothers' role as shepherds underscores their responsibility within the family and their connection to the land. This task also highlights the agrarian society in which they lived, where livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance.
near Shechem
Shechem holds significant historical and biblical importance. It was a central city in Canaan and a place of earlier events in Genesis, such as Abraham's first altar to God and the violent incident involving Dinah and the Shechemites. The mention of Shechem may evoke memories of past family conflicts and foreshadow future tensions. Geographically, Shechem was located in a fertile valley, making it a suitable location for pasturing flocks.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JosephThe favored son of Jacob, known for his dreams and the coat of many colors. His journey from favored son to a slave in Egypt is a pivotal account in Genesis.
2.
Joseph's BrothersThe sons of Jacob who were envious of Joseph's favored status and his dreams, which foretold his future prominence over them.
3.
Jacob (Israel)The father of Joseph and his brothers, who showed favoritism towards Joseph, causing tension within the family.
4.
ShechemA significant location in biblical history, previously the site of Dinah's defilement and the subsequent revenge by Simeon and Levi, Joseph's brothers.
5.
FlocksRepresenting the wealth and livelihood of Jacob's family, the flocks were a central part of their pastoral life.
Teaching Points
Family Dynamics and FavoritismThe account of Joseph and his brothers illustrates the destructive nature of favoritism within a family. Believers are encouraged to reflect on how favoritism can lead to division and to strive for fairness and love in family relationships.
The Significance of ShechemUnderstanding the historical and emotional significance of Shechem in Jacob's family history can deepen our appreciation for the account. It serves as a reminder of past sins and the need for reconciliation and healing.
God's Sovereignty in AdversityJoseph's journey, beginning with his brothers' actions at Shechem, is a testament to God's ability to use difficult circumstances for His purposes. Believers can find hope in God's sovereignty over their own trials.
The Consequences of EnvyThe brothers' envy of Joseph led to actions that had long-lasting consequences. This serves as a warning against allowing envy to take root in our hearts.
The Role of ShepherdingThe pastoral life of Jacob's family is a metaphor for spiritual leadership and care. Believers are called to be shepherds in their communities, guiding and nurturing others in faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 37:12?
2.How does Genesis 37:12 demonstrate Joseph's obedience to his father's request?
3.What can we learn about family dynamics from Genesis 37:12?
4.How does Genesis 37:12 connect to Joseph's future trials and triumphs?
5.How can we apply Joseph's willingness to serve in our daily lives?
6.What does Genesis 37:12 teach about trusting God's plan despite family challenges?
7.Why did Joseph's brothers go to Shechem in Genesis 37:12?
8.What is the significance of Shechem in biblical history?
9.How does Genesis 37:12 relate to Joseph's future in Egypt?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 37?
11.(Genesis 37:12–17) Are there any historical records or evidence supporting Joseph’s journey to Shechem and Dothan that validate this narrative?
12.Why did Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery?
13.Why does God permit suffering?
14.(Genesis 37:5-10) Do these dreams realistically align with ancient cultural beliefs, or do they suggest later embellishments inserted into the text?What Does Genesis 37:12 Mean
Some time later• The phrase signals a real, chronological gap after Joseph’s dreams and his brothers’ growing jealousy (Genesis 37:5–11).
• Scripture often uses similar wording to mark the steady march of God’s plan—seeGenesis 40:1 (“Some time later, the cupbearer…”), reminding us that delays never derail divine purposes.
• It also allows the tension in the narrative to build so that God’s sovereign hand becomes unmistakable (Romans 8:28).
Joseph’s brothers had gone• These are the same brothers who “could not speak peaceably to him” (Genesis 37:4). Their departure without Joseph underscores relational fracture.
• Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah—the men named earlier (Genesis 35:22; 34:25; 38:1)—all participate, showing that family sin patterns run deep but are still under God’s watchful eye (Numbers 32:23).
• Their active role contrasts with Joseph’s remaining at home, foreshadowing how God will soon reposition him for a greater mission (Psalm 105:17).
To pasture their father’s flocks• Shepherding was honorable work entrusted by Jacob, illustrating filial duty (Genesis 29:9; 30:31).
• The flocks belong to the father; the sons are stewards, echoing the broader biblical truth that everything ultimately belongs to God (Psalm 24:1).
• Caring for sheep anticipates later images of faithful oversight—Moses (Exodus 3:1), David (1 Samuel 17:15), and Christ Himself (John 10:11).
Near Shechem• Shechem is the very site where Simeon and Levi massacred the men of the city after the violation of Dinah (Genesis 34).
• Returning there highlights either a lapse in judgment or hardened hearts, since Jacob earlier expressed fear of retaliation (Genesis 34:30).
• The locale hints at looming conflict for Joseph, yet God uses even risky settings to advance His covenant plan (Genesis 50:20;Proverbs 16:9).
summaryGenesis 37:12 records a brief yet loaded transition. Time has passed, but resentment still simmers. The brothers, now on shepherding duty, travel to a place marked by their past violence. Every detail—timing, relationships, vocation, location—sets the stage for God to move Joseph from favored son to eventual savior of his family. The verse quietly assures us that in everyday decisions and familiar places, the Lord is steering history toward His redemptive purposes.
(12)
Shechem.--Jacob's sons seem to have retained Shechem, by right of their high-handed proceedings. related in
Genesis 34:27-29. By seizing the "
tafs"of the Shechemites, Simeon and Levi must have added. large numbers of grown men to the roll of their retainers; and after accustoming them to their service. they would have become powerful enough to resist any attacks of the natives. (See
Genesis 34:29, and Note on
Genesis 17:13). But it gives us a great idea of Jacob's wealth and power, that while dwelling a little to the north of Hebron, he should send part of his. cattle so far away as to Shechem, a distance of sixty miles.
Verse 12. -
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem -
i.e. the modern Nablous, in the plain of Muknah, which belonged to Jacob partly by purchase and partly by conquest (
vide Genesis 33:19; 34:27). Shechem was at a considerable distance from the vale of Hebron, where the patriarchal family at this time resided.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Some time later, [Joseph’s] brothersאֶחָ֑יו(’e·ḥāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )had goneוַיֵּלְכ֖וּ(way·yê·lə·ḵū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkto pastureלִרְע֛וֹת(lir·‘ō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7462:To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate withtheir father’sאֲבִיהֶ֖ם(’ă·ḇî·hem)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1:Fatherflocksצֹ֥אן(ṣōn)Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6629:Small cattle, sheep and goats, flocknear Shechem.בִּשְׁכֶֽם׃(biš·ḵem)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7927:Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 37:12 His brothers went to feed their father's (Gen. Ge Gn) 
