Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 8. We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together] It is a rule that the stone shall not be removed till all the shepherds and the flocks which have a right to this well be gathered together; then, and not before, we may water the sheep. See note on ""ver. 3"".
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 ויאמרו559 לא3808 נוכל3201 עד5704 אשׁר834 יאספו622 כל3605 העדרים5739 וגללו1556 את853 האבן68 מעל5921 פי6310 הבאר875 והשׁקינו8248 הצאן׃6629
