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Genesis 37:14 - Father's concern for sons' welfare

Genesis 37:14 - בראשית 37:14

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ לֶךְ־נָא רְאֵה אֶת־שְׁלוֹם אַחֶיךָ וְאֶת־שְׁלוֹם הַצֹּאן וַהֲשִׁבֵנִי דָּבָר וַיִּשְׁלָחֵהוּ מֵעֵמֶק חֶבְרוֹן וַיָּבֹא שְׁכֶמָה׃

English Translation

And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brothers, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Ḥevron, and he came to Shekhem.

Transliteration

Vayomer lo lech-na re'eh et-shalom achecha ve'et-shalom hatzon vahashiveni davar vayishlachehu me'emek Chevron vayavo Shechemah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ לֶךְ־נָ֨א רְאֵ֜ה אֶת־שְׁל֤וֹם אַחֶ֙יךָ֙ וְאֶת־שְׁל֣וֹם הַצֹּ֔אן וַהֲשִׁבֵ֖נִי דָּבָ֑ר וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֙הוּ֙ מֵעֵ֣מֶק חֶבְר֔וֹן וַיָּבֹ֖א שְׁכֶֽמָה׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ לֶךְ־נָ֨א רְאֵ֜ה אֶת־שְׁל֤וֹם אַחֶ֙יךָ֙ וְאֶת־שְׁל֣וֹם הַצֹּ֔אן וַהֲשִׁבֵ֖נִי דָּבָ֑ר וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֙הוּ֙ מֵעֵ֣מֶק חֶבְר֔וֹן וַיָּבֹ֖א שְׁכֶֽמָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 37:14) describes Yaakov sending his son Yosef to check on his brothers, who were shepherding the flocks in Shekhem. This event sets the stage for the subsequent sale of Yosef into slavery, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The verse raises several questions about Yaakov's intentions, Yosef's mission, and the significance of the locations mentioned.

Yaakov's Concern for His Sons and Flocks

Rashi explains that Yaakov's instruction to Yosef to "see the peace of your brothers and the peace of the flocks" reflects his dual concern:

  • Brothers' welfare: Yaakov was worried about potential strife among the brothers, particularly after Yosef's dreams (Genesis 37:5-11).
  • Flocks' welfare: The brothers were shepherding in Shekhem, a place of recent conflict (Genesis 34), making it a dangerous location for both the family and their livestock.

The Significance of "Emek Chevron" (Vale of Hebron)

The verse states Yosef was sent from the "vale of Chevron," which seems geographically contradictory since Chevron is in mountainous terrain. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:13) offers two explanations:

  • Divine Counsel: "Emek Chevron" alludes to the "deep counsel" (etzah amukah) of Avraham, who is buried in Chevron. This hints that Yosef's journey was part of a divine plan leading to the descent to Egypt.
  • Literal Interpretation: Ramban suggests Chevron's valley refers to its outskirts, where Yaakov may have temporarily settled.

Yosef's Arrival in Shekhem

The verse concludes with Yosef arriving in Shekhem, a place with historical significance:

  • Shekhem was where Dinah was abducted (Genesis 34), making it a place of familial trauma.
  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 102a) notes that Shekhem was a place "destined for punishment," hinting at future consequences for the brothers' actions there.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this episode teaches:

  • The importance of shalom (peace) among brothers, as Yaakov prioritized checking on their wellbeing.
  • Hashgachah pratit (divine providence), as Yosef's journey, though seemingly ordinary, set in motion the fulfillment of Avraham's prophecy (Genesis 15:13).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Jacob sending Joseph to check on his brothers in Genesis 37:14?
A: According to Rashi, Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers' welfare (שְׁלוֹם אַחֶיךָ) and the flocks to fulfill the mitzvah of showing concern for others. This also sets the stage for the events that follow in the Joseph narrative. The Midrash adds that Jacob wanted to maintain peace among his sons.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Joseph was sent from the 'vale of Hebron'?
A: Rashi explains that 'vale of Hebron' refers to the divine counsel (עֵצָה עֲמֻקָּה) connected to Hebron, where Abraham had received promises from Hashem. The deeper meaning is that these events were part of G-d's plan, as hinted by the word 'vale' (עֵמֶק), which can also mean 'deep'—indicating profound divine wisdom at work.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Joseph obeying his father's request in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 31a) teaches that honoring parents is a fundamental mitzvah. Joseph's willingness to go—despite potential danger—demonstrates kibbud av (honoring one's father). This teaches us the importance of respecting parental guidance, even when it may be difficult.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that Joseph went to Shechem?
A: Rashi notes that Shechem was a place of danger (where Dinah had previously been harmed), showing Joseph's dedication to fulfilling his father's request despite risks. The Midrash also connects this to future events—the brothers had gone to Shechem grazing fields, hinting at the unfolding divine plan.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of shalom (peace) in Judaism?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) emphasizes pursuing peace (רְדִיפַת שָׁלוֹם). Jacob's instruction to check on his brothers' 'shalom' teaches that we must actively seek harmony, even when relationships are strained—a lesson applicable in family and community life today.