herd
Emblem in art associated with Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Genevieve, Saint Germaine, and Saint Solange as shepherdesses or tenders of flocks.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Herd
(prop. , of neat cattle; , a flock of smaller animals; , as property; , a drove). The herd was greatly regarded both in the patriarchal and Mosaic period. Its multiplying was considered as a blessing, and its decrease as a curse (Gen 13:2; Deu 7:14; Deu 28:4; Psa 107:38; Psa 144:14; Jer 51:23). The ox was the most precious stock next to horse and mule, and (since those were rare) the thing of greatest value which was commonly possessed (1Ki 18:5). Hence we see the force of Saul’s threat (1Sa 11:7). The herd yielded the most esteemed sacrifice (Num 7:3; Psa 69:31; Isa 66:3); also flesh-meat and milk, chiefly converted, probably, into butter and cheese (Deu 32:14; 2Sa 10:1 to 2Sa 12:29), which such milk yields more copiously than that of small cattle (Arist. Hist. Anim. 3, 20). The full-grown ox is hardly ever slaughtered in Syria; but, both for sacrificial and convivial purposes, the young animal was preferred (Exo 29:1) perhaps three years might be the age up to which it was so regarded (Gen 15:9) and is spoken of as a special dainty (Gen 17:8; Amo 6:4; Luk 15:23). The case of Gideon’s sacrifice was one of exigency (Jdg 6:25), and exceptional. So that of the people (1Sa 14:32) was an act of wanton excess. The agricultural and general usefulness of the ox in ploughing threshing and as a beast of burden (1Ch 12:40; Isa 46:9, made such a slaughtering seem wasteful; nor, owing to difficulties of grazing, fattening, etc., is beef the product of an Eastern climate. The animal was broken to service probably in his third year (Isa 15:5; Jer 48:34; comp. Pliny, HI. N. 8, 70, ed. Par.). In the moist season, when grass abounded in the waste lands, especially in the south region, herds grazed there; e.g. in Carmel, on the west side of the Dead Sea (1Sa 25:2; 2Ch 26:10). Dothan also, Mishor, and Sharon (Gen 37:17; comp. Robinson, 3:122; Stanley, S. and Pal. p. 247, 260, 484; 1Ch 27:29; Isa 65:10) were favorite pastures. For such purposes Uzziah built towers in the wilderness (2Ch 26:19). Not only grass, but foliage, is acceptable to the ox, and the- woods and hills of Bashan and Gilead afforded both abundantly; on such upland (Psalms 1, 10; Psa 65:12) pastures cattle might graze, as also, of course, by river sides, when driven by the heat from the regions of the wilderness. Especially was the eastern table-land (Eze 39:18; Num 32:4) a place for cattle, and the pastoral tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh, who settled there, retained something of the nomadic character and handed down some image of the patriarchal life (Stanley, S. and Pal. p. 324, 325). Herdsmen in Egypt were a low, perhaps the lowest, caste; hence, as Joseph’s kindred, through his position, were brought into contact with the highest castes, they are described as an abomination; but of the abundance of cattle in Egypt, and of the care there bestowed on them, there is no doubt (Gen 47:6; Gen 47:17; Exo 9:4; Exo 9:20). Brands were used to distinguish the owners’ herds (Wilkinson, 3:8, 195; 4:125-131). So the plague of hail was sent to smite especially the cattle (Psa 78:48), the firstborn of which also were smitten (Exo 12:29). The Israelites departing stipulated for (Exo 10:26) and took much cattle with them (Exo 12:38). SEE EXODE. Cattle formed thus one of the traditions of the Israelitish nation in its greatest period, and became almost a part of that greatness. They are the subject of providential care and legislative ordinance (Exo 20:10; Exo 21:28; Exo 34:19; Lev 19:19; Lev 25:7; Deu 11:15; Deu 22:1; Deu 22:4; Deu 22:10; Deu 25:4; Psa 104:14; Isa 30:23; Jon 4:11), and even the Levites, though not holding land, were allowed cattle (Num 35:2-3).
When pasture failed, a mixture of various grains (called, Job 6:5, , rendered fodder in the A.V., and, Isa 30:24, provender; compare the Roman farrago and ocymum, Pliny, 18:10 and 42) was used, as also , chopped straw (Gen 24:25; Isa 11:7; Isa 65:25), which was torn in pieces by the threshing-machine, and used probably for feeding in stalls. These last formed an important adjunct to cattle keeping, being indispensable for shelter at certain seasons (Exo 9:6; Exo 9:19). The herd, after its harvest duty was done, which probably caused it to be in high condition, was especially worth caring for; at the same time, most open pastures would have failed because of the heat. It was then probably stalled, and would continue so until vegetation returned. Hence the failure of the herd from the stalls is mentioned as a feature of scarcity (Hab 3:17). Calves of the stall (Mal 4:2; Pro 15:17) are the objects of watchful care. The Reubenites, etc., bestowed their cattle in cities when they passed the Jordan to share the toils of conquest (Deu 3:19), i.e. probably in some pastures closely adjoining, like the suburbs appointed for the cattle of the Levites (Num 35:2-3; Jos 21:2). Cattle were ordinarily allowed as a prey in war to the captor (Deu 20:14; Jos 8:2), and the case of Amalek is exceptional, probably to mark the extreme curse to which that people was devoted (Exo 17:14; 1Sa 15:3). The occupation of herdsman was honorable in early times (Gen 47:6; 1Sa 11:5; 1Ch 27:29; 1Ch 28:1). Saul himself resumed it in the interval of his cares as king; also Doeg was certainly high in his confidence (1Sa 21:7). Pharaoh made some of Joseph’s brethren rulers over his cattle. David’s herd-masters were among his chief officers of state. In Solomon’s time the relative importance of the pursuit declined as commerce grew, but it was still extensive (Ecc 2:7; 1Ki 4:23). It must have greatly suffered from the inroads of the enemies to which the country under the later kings of Judah and Israel was exposed. Uzziah, however (2Ch 26:10), and Hezekiah (32:28, 29), resuming command of the open country, revived it. Josiah also seems to have been rich in herds (35:7-9). The prophet Amos at first followed this occupation (Amo 1:1; Amo 7:14). A goad was used (Jdg 3:31; 1Sa 13:21, , ), being, as mostly, a staff armed with a spike. For the word Herd as applied to swine, SEE SWINE. On the general subject, Ugolini, 39: De Re Rust. vett. Hebr. c. 2, will be found nearly exhaustive. SEE CATTLE.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Herd
Gen. 13:5; Deut. 7:14. (See CATTLE)
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Herd
Cattle formed a considerable part of Israel’s wealth. The full grown ox was seldom slaughtered, being more useful for plowing, threshing, and carrying burdens. The people’s act, recorded in 1Sa 14:32, was one of excess. The third year was the time for breaking to service (Isa 15:5). Fattening for beef is not practiced in the East. Grazing is afforded in the South region (the Negeb), Carmel, Dothan, and Sharon. The ox ate foliage too in Bashan and Gilead (Psa 50:10). Uzziah “built towers in the desert” (wasteland) to guard the pasturing cattle.
When pasture failed “provender,” Hebrew a mixture of various grains, was used. Isa 30:24, “clean (chamits, ‘salted’) provender,” or well fermented maslin, composed of grain, beans, vetches, hay, and salt, which beasts of burden in the East relish. The Arabs say, “sweet provender is as bread to camels, salted provender as confectionery.” Also chopped straw (Isa 11:7; Isa 65:25). The sense in Mal 4:3 is, “Ye shall go forth, and grow up, as calves of the stall,” which when set free from the stall disport with joy; the believer’s future joy at the Lord’s second coming (Isa 25:9; Isa 61:10; 1Pe 1:8).
When harvest was over, and open pastures failed because of the heat, the ox was fed in stalls (Hab 3:17) until vegetation returned. Saul himself had herded cattle, and Doeg his chief herdsman was high in his favor (1Sa 11:5; 1Sa 21:7). Joseph’s brethren were assigned the office as an honourable one by Pharaoh (Gen 47:6). Hezekiah and Uzziah, when the land was less disturbed by hostile inroads, revived cattle tending which had previously declined (2Ch 26:10; 2Ch 32:28-29).
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Herd
HERD.See Cattle, Ox, Sheep.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Herd
hurd. See CATTLE.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Herd
Herd. (a collection of cattle). Herdsmen. The herd was greatly regarded in both the patriarchal and the Mosaic period. The ox was the most precious stock, next to horse and mule. The herd yielded the most esteemed sacrifice, Num 7:3; Psa 69:31; Isa 66:3, also flesh meat, and milk, chiefly converted probably, into butter and cheese. Deu 32:14; 2Sa 17:29. The agricultural and general usefulness of the ox in ploughing, threshing, and as a beast of burden, 1Ch 12:40; Isa 46:1, made a slaughtering of him seem wasteful.
Herdsmen, etc., in Egypt were a low, perhaps the lowest, caste; but of the abundance of cattle in Egypt, and of the care there bestowed on them, there is no doubt. Gen 47:6; Gen 47:17; Exo 9:4; Exo 9:20. So the plague of hail was sent to smite especially the cattle, Psa 78:48, the firstborn of which also were smitten. Exo 12:29.
The Israelites departing stipulated for, Exo 10:26, and took “much cattle” with them. Exo 12:38. Cattle formed thus one of the traditions of the Israelitish nation in its greatest period, and became almost a part of that greatness.
The occupation of herdsman was honorable in early times. Gen 47:6; 1Sa 11:5; 1Ch 27:29; 1Ch 28:1. Saul himself resumed it in the interval of his cares as king, also Doeg was certainly high in his confidence. 1Sa 21:7. Pharaoh made some of Joseph’s brethren “rulers over his cattle.” David’s herd-masters were among his chief officers of state. The prophet Amos at first followed this occupation.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
Herd
from ago, “to lead,” is used, in the NT, only of swine, Mat 8:30-32; Mar 5:11, Mar 5:13; Luk 8:32-33.