Herdsman
In Egypt herdsmen were probably of the lowest caste. Some of Joseph’s brethren were made rulers over Pharaoh’s cattle (Gen 47:6, Gen 47:17). 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 (1 Sam 9:1–27; 1 Sam 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 (Gen 29:9; Ex 2:16). The “chief of the herdsmen” was in the time of the monarchy an officer of high rank (1 Sam 21:7; comp. 1 Chr 27:29). The herdsmen lived in tents (Isa 38:12; Jer 6:3); and there were folds for the cattle (Num 32:16), and watch-towers for the herdsmen, that he might therefrom observe any coming danger (Mic 4:8; Nah 3:8).
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.
