Reference: Herdsman
Easton
In Egypt herdsmen were probably of the lowest caste. Some of Joseph's brethren were made rulers over Pharaoh's cattle (Ge 47:6,17). The Israelites were known in Egypt as "keepers of cattle;" and when they left it they took their flocks and herds with them (Ex 12:38). Both David and Saul came from "following the herd" to occupy the throne (1Sa 9; 11:5; Ps 78:70). David's herd-masters were among his chief officers of state. The daughters also of wealthy chiefs were wont to tend the flocks of the family (Ge 29:9; Ex 2:16). The "chief of the herdsmen" was in the time of the monarchy an officer of high rank (1Sa 21:7; comp. 1Ch 27:29). The herdsmen lived in tents (Isa 38:12; Jer 6:3); and there were folds for the cattle (Nu 32:16), and watch-towers for the herdsmen, that he might therefrom observe any coming danger (Mic 4:8; Na 3:8).
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While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father's sheep, for she was tending them.
The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best region of the land. They may live in the land of Goshen. If you know of any highly capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock."
So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them food in exchange for their horses, the livestock of their flocks and herds, and their donkeys. He got them through that year by giving them food in exchange for livestock.
Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and began to draw water and fill the troughs in order to water their father's flock.
A mixed multitude also went up with them, and flocks and herds -- a very large number of cattle.
Then they came very close to him and said, "We will build sheep folds here for our flocks and cities for our families,
(One of Saul's servants was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, who was in charge of Saul's shepherds.)
Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the cattle grazing in Sharon; Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the cattle in the valleys.
He chose David, his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds.
My dwelling place is removed and taken away from me like a shepherd's tent. I rolled up my life like a weaver rolls cloth; from the loom he cuts me off. You turn day into night and end my life.
Kings will come against it with their armies. They will encamp in siege all around it. Each of them will devastate the portion assigned to him.
As for you, watchtower for the flock, fortress of Daughter Zion -- your former dominion will be restored, the sovereignty that belongs to Daughter Jerusalem.
You are no more secure than Thebes -- she was located on the banks of the Nile; the waters surrounded her, her rampart was the sea, the water was her wall.