Genesis 37:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

At the same time, both the father and the young man were unaware of the unfolding tensions, not realizing how extreme the situation had become. Consequently, when the brothers were tending to the flocks, the father called out to Joseph, saying, “Aren’t your brothers pasturing their flocks in Shechem? Go, I will send you to them.” Joseph replied, “Here I am.” Observe the depth of the father’s love for his sons and the son’s willingness to obey.

After a brief period, the father encouraged the young man to visit his brothers. He willingly agreed, got up, and left the valley of Hebron. The father’s directive prompted Joseph, who is a figure of Christ, to travel to Shechem to check on his brothers, assessing their well-being and how they were managing their flocks. Similarly, our Lord Jesus Christ was sent by God, the Father, to the Israelites to ascertain their spiritual state, to see if they were thriving, and to ensure that the sheep entrusted to them were well cared for and remained under the guidance of their shepherds.

Jacob spoke to Joseph, saying, "Your brothers are in Shechem; I wish to send you to them." Joseph answered, "I am prepared."