Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. All the flocks] Instead of µyrd[h hadarim, flocks, the Samaritan reads [Samaritan] haroim, shepherds; for which reading Houbigant strongly contends, as well in this verse as in Genesis xxix. 8. It certainly cannot be said that all the flocks rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep: and yet so it appears to read if we prefer the common Hebrew text to the Samaritan. It is probable that the same reading was originally that of the second verse also.
And put the stone again upon the well's mouth] It is very likely that the stone was a large one, which was necessary to prevent ill-minded individuals from either disturbing the water, or filling up the well; hence a great stone was provided, which required the joint exertions of several shepherds to remove it; and hence those who arrived first waited till all the others were come up, that they might water their respective flocks in concert.
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 ונאספו622 שׁמה8033 כל3605 העדרים5739 וגללו1556 את853 האבן68 מעל5921 פי6310 הבאר875 והשׁקו8248 את853 הצאן6629 והשׁיבו7725 את853 האבן68 על5921 פי6310 הבאר875 למקמה׃4725
