Genesis 37:14

Then Israel told him, "Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me." So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem,

Study Bible

Then Israel said to him
The name "Israel" here refers to Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28). This name signifies his role as the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. The use of "Israel" instead of "Jacob" highlights the covenantal and national significance of his actions. It reminds us of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the unfolding of His divine plan through their lineage.

Go now and see
This phrase indicates urgency and concern. Jacob, as a father, is anxious about the well-being of his sons and their flocks. The Hebrew root for "see" is "ra'ah," which means to look at, inspect, or perceive. This is not just a physical seeing but an understanding and assessment of the situation. It reflects a father's care and responsibility for his family.

if it is well with your brothers and with the flocks
The word "well" is translated from the Hebrew "shalom," which encompasses peace, completeness, and welfare. Jacob is concerned about the holistic well-being of his sons and their livelihood. This reflects the pastoral lifestyle of the patriarchs, where the prosperity of the flocks was directly tied to the family's survival and success.

and bring word back to me
Jacob desires a report from Joseph, indicating trust in his son’s judgment and reliability. This request sets the stage for the unfolding events that lead to Joseph's journey to Egypt. It also highlights the importance of communication and accountability within a family structure.

So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron
The Valley of Hebron is significant as it is a place with deep ancestral roots. Hebron was where Abraham settled and where the patriarchs were buried. This geographical detail connects Joseph's account to the broader narrative of God's promises to Abraham. It serves as a reminder of the covenant and the faithfulness of God through generations.

And when Joseph arrived in Shechem
Shechem is a location with a complex history. It was the first place Abraham built an altar to the Lord in Canaan (Genesis 12:6-7) and later became a city of refuge. However, it was also a place of violence and betrayal, as seen in the account of Dinah (Genesis 34). Joseph's arrival in Shechem foreshadows the trials he will face, yet it also signifies the beginning of God's providential plan to elevate him in Egypt. This duality of Shechem as a place of both promise and peril reflects the complexities of God's workings in human history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israel (Jacob)
The patriarch of the family, also known as Jacob, who sends his son Joseph to check on his brothers and the flocks.

2. Joseph
The favored son of Jacob, who is sent to find his brothers and report back on their welfare.

3. Brothers of Joseph
The sons of Jacob, who are tending the flocks and have a strained relationship with Joseph due to jealousy.

4. Valley of Hebron
The starting point of Joseph's journey, a significant location in the patriarchal accounts.

5. Shechem
The initial destination where Joseph seeks his brothers, a place with historical and spiritual significance in Israel's history.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Parental Authority
Joseph's willingness to obey his father, despite potential danger, exemplifies respect and obedience to parental authority, a principle upheld in Ephesians 6:1.

Faithfulness in Small Tasks
Joseph's journey to check on his brothers, though seemingly minor, sets the stage for God's larger plan. This teaches us to be faithful in small tasks, as they may lead to greater purposes (Luke 16:10).

God's Sovereignty in Circumstances
The events that unfold from Joseph's obedience demonstrate God's sovereignty and ability to use circumstances for His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28.

The Importance of Reconciliation
The strained relationship between Joseph and his brothers foreshadows the need for reconciliation, a theme echoed in Matthew 5:23-24.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's obedience to his father in Genesis 37:14 reflect the biblical principle of honoring one's parents, and how can we apply this in our own family relationships?

2. In what ways does the journey from Hebron to Shechem illustrate the concept of faithfulness in small tasks, and how can this principle be applied in our daily lives?

3. Considering the historical and spiritual significance of Shechem, how does this location play a role in the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph and his family?

4. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of Genesis 37:14, and how does this encourage us to trust Him in our own circumstances?

5. Reflecting on the strained relationship between Joseph and his brothers, what steps can we take to pursue reconciliation in our own relationships, in light of biblical teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37:3-4
Provides context for the strained relationship between Joseph and his brothers, highlighting the favoritism shown by Jacob.

Genesis 12:6-7
Shechem is first mentioned as a place where God appeared to Abram, establishing its spiritual significance.

1 Samuel 17:17-18
Similar to Joseph, David is sent by his father to check on his brothers, showing a recurring theme of obedience and family duty.

Hebrews 11:8-9
Reflects on the faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, emphasizing obedience to God's direction.