A People's Destiny

A careful examination of the salient biblical verse suggests another explanation. It was, in fact, not Jacob who sent Joseph to Shechem - it was Israel. The Bible uses Jacob's two names (Jacob/Israel) in different contexts, and the particular choice of name in each case is always carefully selected. Jacob sending Joseph to Shechem defied reason; literarily, though, it can be explained as a case of dual causality. Ostensibly, the action was motivated by Jacob's concern for his other sons and his interest in his flocks. In fact, it was far beyond his control; it was a step in the course of Jewish history. Israel (not Jacob) dispatching Joseph set in motion the unfolding of the covenant made with Abraham in Genesis 15. Little did Joseph know what awaited him there. The biblical saga of oppression and redemption was about to begin, and he was to play the lead role. His journey to Shechem served as the catalyst for the unfolding of destiny of the Children of Israel.