What does Genesis 37:13 mean?

Genesis is inspired Scripture: it is both the Word of God and ancient literature that masterfully tells a powerful story. We have already seen that Joseph's ten brothers are furiously jealous of him (Genesis 37:3–5). We know they are capable of great violence when angry (Genesis 34:26–27). And yet, Jacob—renamed Israel (Genesis 35:10)—has a puzzling way of being oblivious to some of these concerns. He barely reacted when his daughter was raped (Genesis 34:5). No immediate reaction is recorded in response to his oldest sons' depravity (Genesis 35:22). He was raised in sibling rivalry driven by his own parents (Genesis 25:27–28), yet he's overtly lavished favor on Joseph (Genesis 37:3).

Apparently blind to the hatred and tension towards Joseph, Jacob is sending Joseph with some degree of authority. Joseph had reported back on his brothers once before (Genesis 37:2). Jacob might be wondering why his sons are near Shechem (Genesis 37:12), so he will send Joseph to get a status update (Genesis 37:14). Jacob may have suspicions, and it turns out the brothers won't be where Jacob expects (Genesis 37:15–17).

This encounter suggests both Joseph and his father are clueless to the danger of letting Joseph be alone with his brothers. It's also possible Joseph may have anticipated the danger and chosen to obey his father without mentioning it.