Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 37:12

"And his brethren went to feed their father`s flock in Shechem." — Genesis 37:12 (ASV)

Shechem. —Jacob’s sons seem to have retained Shechem by right of their high-handed proceedings, related in Genesis 34:27-29. By seizing the “tafs” of the Shechemites, Simeon and Levi must have added large numbers of grown men to the roll of their retainers; and after accustoming them to their service, they would have become powerful enough to resist any attacks of the natives. (See Genesis 34:29, and Note on Genesis 17:13).

But it gives us a great idea of Jacob’s wealth and power that, while dwelling a little to the north of Hebron, he should send part of his cattle so far away as to Shechem, a distance of sixty miles.