What does Genesis 29:9 mean?

Jacob has learned from a group of shepherds gathered with their sheep near a well in a field that they are from Haran, Jacob's destination (Genesis 28:1–2). In fact, it turns out they know Jacob's uncle Laban, the very man Jacob has travelled to stay with. Even more, Laban's daughter is arriving with another flock of sheep at this very moment. Her name is Rachel, and she is a shepherdess.

Jacob has attempted to order the waiting shepherds to water their flocks and get back out into the field. As one would expect, since he's a stranger, the men did not obey his request (Genesis 29:7–8). According to them, it's necessary to wait until all of the flocks are assembled before they'll roll away the heavy stone covering the mouth of the well.

This story represents an interesting parallel to the experiences of Jacob's own mother, Rebekah. A servant sent by Abraham, Jacob's grandfather, was sent to find a wife for Isaac, Jacob's father (Genesis 24:2–4). That man located Rebekah by using a test performed at a well in this same region (Genesis 24:13–14).