And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
Ver. 14. Well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks.] His first care is for the welfare of his children. Many a Laban is more solicitous of his flock than of his family. It were better being Herod's swine than his son, said Augustus. Hawks and hounds are better tended and tutored in some great houses than children. Or if they be taught manners, and handsome behaviour, that is all that is cared for. But piety must be principally planted, where God's blessing upon posterity is expected: the promise whereof is therefore'specially annexed to the second commandment. a
a Macrob.