Herd in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

What is a Herd?
HERD or HERDSMAN
Nothing more strikingly brings out the contrast between the Egyptians and the Hebrews than their different estimation of the pursuit of cattle-raising. While the latter had large herds and flocks, and considered their possession and keep honorable, the former, quite as dependent upon them for food and labor, despised the herdsman as "an abomination," Gen 46:34. By the influence of Joseph his brethren were made Pharaoh's chief herdsmen, Gen 47:6. The patriarchs were great herdsmen. The occupation was not inconsistent with state honors; thus, Doeg, "the chiefest of th§ herdsmen," was high in Saul's favor, 1 Sam 21:7. David's herdmasters were among his chief officers of state. In Solomon's time, although commerce decreased its relative importance, the pursuit was still extensive. Eccl 2:7; 1 Kgs 4:23. "It must have suffered greatly from the inroads of the enemies to which the country, under the later kings of Judah and Israel, was exposed. Uzziah, however, 2 Chr 26:10; and Hezekiah, 2 Chr 32:28-29, resuming command of the open country, revived it. Josiah also seems to have been rich in herds, 2 Chr 35:7-9. The prophet Amos at first followed this occupation, Am 1:1; Am 7:14." The wealth of the Jews at all times consisted largely of cattle. The territory of the tribes across the Jordan was particularly adapted for grazing-purposes. West of the river the principal Egyptian Herdsmen treating sick Animals. (After Wilkinson.) feeding-grounds were Sharon, 1 Chr 27:29, the Carmel, 1 Sam 25:2, and Dothan, Gen 37:17; but doubtless all the uncultivated lands were used for this purpose. But for food they did not use, as we do, full-grown beeves, but killed the calves. Fattening for beef is indeed not practised in the East. The oxen were broken for service in the third year, Isa 15:5. When the heat had dried up all the pasture, then the oxen were stalled, Hab 3:17. Hence the figure "a stalled ox" for stately magnificence, which is used in Prov 15:17. "Calves of the stall" were watchfully cared for, Mal 4:2. Cattle feed upon foliage as well as upon grass, Ps 50:10. A mixture of various grains, as also chopped straw, is fed when the pasture gives out. See Job 6:5, "fodder;" Isa 30:24, "provender;" Gen 24:25; Isa 11:7; Isa 65:25. See Agriculture. Ox.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'herd' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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