And over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai:
1 CHRONICLES 27:29KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 27:29 mean?
1 Chronicles 27:29 lists two officials who were in charge of King David’s livestock: Shitrai the Sharonite managed the herds in the region of Sharon, while Shaphat son of Adlai oversaw the herds in the valleys. The verse details part of the administrative organization of David’s kingdom.
This verse is part of a longer section where the writer records the leaders responsible for different areas of King David’s resources and territories. The focus here is on the practical management of royal herds, showing how the kingdom was divided into regions (like Sharon and the valleys) with specific people assigned to oversee important assets. It highlights the structured and regional approach to governance in ancient Israel.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:29
- שָּׁרוֹן (Sharon, transliterated "Sharon") refers to a fertile plain along the Mediterranean coast, known for its rich pastureland. Naming this region emphasizes the importance of agriculture and livestock in Israel’s economy.
- שִׁטְרַי (Shitrai, transliterated "Shitrai") and הַשָּׁרוֹנִי (ha-Sharonite, transliterated "the Sharonite") identify the official and his connection to Sharon, showing that local leaders often came from the regions they managed.
- בָּקָר (baqar, transliterated "herds") means cattle or oxen, underlining that these officials were responsible for valuable livestock, not just general animals.
- עֵמֶק (ʿemeq, transliterated "valleys") points to another specific geographic area, indicating that the kingdom’s resources were managed according to the land’s natural divisions.
Why 1 Chronicles 27:29 matters
- This verse shows the detailed and organized way King David’s administration managed the kingdom’s resources, highlighting the importance of good leadership and regional oversight.
- The mention of specific regions and officials helps us see how ancient Israel was divided for practical governance, not just for military or tribal purposes.
- By naming individuals and their roles, the text gives a glimpse into the everyday workings of the kingdom, reminding readers that leadership involved not only spiritual matters but also practical, economic responsibilities.