Herd

Gen. 13:5; Deut. 7:14. (See CATTLE.)

(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, (Numbers 7:3; Psalms 69:31; Isaiah 66:3) also flesh meat, and milk, chiefly converted probably, into butter and cheese. (32:14; 2 Samuel 17:29) The agricultural and general usefulness of the ox in ploughing, threshing, and as a beast of burden, (1 Chronicles 12:40; Isaiah 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. (Genesis 47:6,17; Exodus 9:4,20) So the plague of hail was sent to smite especially the cattle, (Psalms 78:48) the firstborn of which also were smitten. (Exodus 12:29) The Israelites departing stipulated for, (Exodus 10:26) and took “much cattle” with them. ch. (Exodus 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. (Genesis 47:6; 1 Samuel 11:5; 1 Chronicles 27:29; 28:1) Saul himself resumed it in the interval of his cares as king, also Doeg was certainly high in his confidence (1 Samuel 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.

HERD, 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.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A number of beasts assembled together; as, a herd of horses, oxen, cattle, camels, elephants, deer, or swine; a particular stock or family of cattle. The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea. Gray.

2. A crowd of low people; a rabble. But far more numerous was the herd of such Who think too little and who talk too much. Dryden. You can never interest the common herd in the abstract question. Coleridge. Herd's grass (Bot.), one of several species of grass, highly esteemed for hay. See under Grass.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

One who herds or assembles domestic animals; a herdsman; -- much used in composition; as, a shepherd; a goatherd, and the like. Chaucer.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To unite or associate in a herd; to feed or run together, or in company; as, sheep herd on many hills.

2. To associate; to ally one's self with, or place one's self among, a group or company. I'll herd among his friends, and seem One of the number. Addison.

3. To act as a herdsman or a shepherd. [Scot.]

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To form or put into a herd.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Haired. [Obs.] Chaucer.