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Genesis 29:7 - Daylight remains—why delay shepherding?

Genesis 29:7 - בראשית 29:7

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הֵן עוֹד הַיּוֹם גָּדוֹל לֹא־עֵת הֵאָסֵף הַמִּקְנֶה הַשְׁקוּ הַצֹּאן וּלְכוּ רְעוּ׃

English Translation

And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water the sheep, and go and feed them.

Transliteration

Vayomer hen od hayom gadol lo-et he'asef hamikneh hashku hatzon ulchu re'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֵ֥ן עוֹד֙ הַיּ֣וֹם גָּד֔וֹל לֹא־עֵ֖ת הֵאָסֵ֣ף הַמִּקְנֶ֑ה הַשְׁק֥וּ הַצֹּ֖אן וּלְכ֥וּ רְעֽוּ׃
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֵ֥ן עוֹד֙ הַיּ֣וֹם גָּד֔וֹל לֹא־עֵ֖ת הֵאָסֵ֣ף הַמִּקְנֶ֑ה הַשְׁק֥וּ הַצֹּ֖אן וּלְכ֥וּ רְעֽוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 29:7) appears in the narrative of Yaakov's journey to Charan, where he encounters shepherds at a well. The shepherds explain that they cannot water their flocks until all the flocks are gathered, but Yaakov observes that it is still early in the day and encourages them to water the sheep and return to pasture.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov was surprised by the shepherds' idleness, as it was still broad daylight ("הֵן עוֹד הַיּוֹם גָּדוֹל"). He interprets Yaakov's words as a rebuke: since it was not yet time to gather the flocks for the night, they should not delay watering them. Rashi emphasizes that Yaakov was teaching them the importance of diligence in their work (Bereshit 29:7, Rashi).

Rambam's Perspective on Work Ethic

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:1) teaches that a person should always strive to balance their work and spiritual obligations. Yaakov's rebuke aligns with this principle, as he encourages the shepherds to use their time productively rather than waiting idly. This reflects the broader Jewish value of zerizut (alacrity) in fulfilling responsibilities.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 70:12) suggests that Yaakov's words hint at his future role as a shepherd. His concern for the sheep foreshadows his care for Lavan's flocks later in the narrative.
  • Another interpretation in the Midrash connects this episode to the broader theme of divine providence, as Yaakov's diligence leads him to meet Rachel shortly afterward.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 331:1) rules that workers must dedicate themselves fully to their employer's tasks during work hours. Yaakov's rebuke serves as an early biblical precedent for this halachic principle, emphasizing that the shepherds were neglecting their duty by delaying.

Moral Lesson

This verse teaches the importance of using time wisely and avoiding procrastination. The Kli Yakar notes that Yaakov's words demonstrate proper derech eretz (ethical conduct) in labor, setting an example for future generations in both spiritual and mundane matters.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 29:7 mean?
A: In Genesis 29:7, Jacob is speaking to shepherds at a well, telling them that it's still early in the day and not yet time to gather the flocks for the night. He encourages them to water their sheep and continue grazing them. Rashi explains that Jacob was hinting they shouldn't be idle when there was still daylight left for productive work.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse is important because it shows Jacob's character traits of diligence and responsibility, which are central Jewish values. The Midrash highlights how Jacob's words demonstrate the importance of using time wisely and not being lazy, teaching us that even when others might stop working early, we should make the most of our productive hours.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's statement in this verse?
A: We learn the Jewish value of 'zerizut' (alacrity) - being diligent and making the most of our time. The Rambam teaches that we should approach mitzvot and work with this same sense of urgency and timeliness. Jacob's words remind us not to cut short our productive time when there's still daylight to accomplish more.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: This verse teaches us to be mindful of how we use our time. Just as Jacob pointed out it was too early to stop working, we today should avoid wasting time when we could be productive. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 3a) discusses how we'll be judged for how we used our time, making this a timeless Jewish lesson about responsibility.
Q: Why did Jacob tell the shepherds to water the sheep if it wasn't time to gather them?
A: According to Rashi, Jacob was teaching proper animal care - while it wasn't yet time to bring them in for the night, the sheep still needed to be watered. This shows Jacob's understanding of both timing and responsibility. The Torah Temimah notes this demonstrates the Jewish principle of 'tzaar baalei chayim' (preventing suffering to animals) by ensuring their needs are met at proper times.