Definition: And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 37:17. It’s a really important part of the story about Jacob and his sons. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jacob is looking for his sons, Joseph and Benjamin, who left him. Let’s unpack it further: “And the man said…” : This tells us that Jacob was talking to someone – likely one of his sons. “…They are departed hence…” : This means they have moved away. It's a clear sign something has happened. “…for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan.” : Jacob heard his sons planning to leave. He knew they were going to Dothan (a city) – it was a significant place for them. “And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.” : Jacob followed them and eventually found Joseph and Benjamin at Dothan. So, the whole story is about Jacob realizing his sons are leaving and he follows them to find them. It’s a pivotal moment because it sets up a lot of dramatic events that lead to the rest of the Bible! It's one of the first times we see Jacob grappling with this situation. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story about betrayal and hardship, and it highlights how difficult situations can arise when people are tempted to disobey God’s commands. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of this story in the Bible? What the significance of Joseph's later role is?