Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. Three flocks of sheep] ax tson, small cattle, such as sheep, goats, &c.; See note on ""chap. xii. 16"". Sheep, in a healthy state, seldom drink in cold and comparatively cold countries: but it was probably different in hot climates. The three flocks, if flocks and not shepherds be meant, which were lying now at the well, did not belong to Laban, but to three other chiefs; for Laban's flock was yet to come, under the care of Rachel, ver. 6.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to be watered. What is said of the care of the shepherds for their sheep, may remind us of the tender concern whic our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, has for his flock the church; for he is the good Shepherd, that knows his sheep, and is know of them. The stone at the well's mouth was to secure it; water wa scarce, it was not there for every one's use: but separate interest should not take us from helping one another. When all the shepherd came together with their flocks, then, like loving neighbours, the watered their flocks together. The law of kindness in the tongue has commanding power, Pr 31:26. Jacob was civil to these strangers, and he found them civil to him.
Original Hebrew וירא7200 והנה2009 באר875 בשׂדה7704 והנה2009 שׁם8033 שׁלשׁה7969 עדרי5739 צאן6629 רבצים7257 עליה5921 כי3588 מן4480 הבאר875 ההוא1931 ישׁקו8248 העדרים5739 והאבן68 גדלה1419 על5921 פי6310 הבאר׃875
