1 Chronicles 27:29

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And over the herds {H1241} that fed {H7462} in Sharon {H8289} was Shitrai {H7861} the Sharonite {H8290}: and over the herds {H1241} that were in the valleys {H6010} was Shaphat {H8202} the son {H1121} of Adlai {H5724}:

Complete Jewish Bible

In charge of the herds of livestock feeding in the Sharon was Shirtai from the Sharon, while Shafat the son of Adlai was put over herds in the valleys.

Berean Standard Bible

Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon. Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 27:29 details specific appointments within King David's extensive administrative structure, highlighting Shitrai the Sharonite's oversight of royal herds in the fertile Sharon plain and Shaphat the son of Adlai's management of herds in the valleys. This verse, part of a larger catalog of civil and military officials, underscores David's meticulous attention to the economic foundations of his kingdom, ensuring diligent stewardship and specialized management of vital agricultural assets.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a detailed account of King David's administrative organization of his kingdom, found in [1 Chronicles 23-27](/1-chronicles/23 "1 Chronicles 23-27 - David's Administrative Organization"). Following the establishment of the Levitical divisions, priestly courses, and various temple servants, chapters 26 and 27 pivot to the civil and military administration. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 27](/1-chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Military and Civil Officers") lists the commanders of the monthly divisions, tribal leaders, and then a series of royal officials responsible for various aspects of the king's property and assets. Verse 29 falls within this latter category, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of David's preparations for the kingdom, which would eventually be inherited by Solomon. It shows that even seemingly mundane agricultural management was part of the divinely ordered structure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, livestock, particularly cattle and sheep, were fundamental to the economy and daily life. They provided food, clothing, materials for shelter, and were a primary form of wealth and trade. Furthermore, animals were indispensable for sacrificial worship, as detailed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 1:2-3](/leviticus/1-2 "Leviticus 1:2-3 - Offerings from the Herd")). The Sharon plain, mentioned in the verse, was a well-known, fertile coastal region in ancient Israel, celebrated for its rich pastures, making it an ideal location for raising large herds. "The valleys" (עֲמָקִים, _amaqim_) refer to other lower-lying, often fertile, areas suitable for grazing, indicating a broader geographical distribution of royal assets. David's appointment of specialized officials for these regions reflects a sophisticated understanding of resource management and the importance of regional expertise in a largely agrarian society.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this administrative detail highlights several key themes. Firstly, **Organized Stewardship** is paramount, demonstrating David's commitment to meticulous, delegated management of the kingdom's resources, reflecting a divine principle of order and accountability. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Economic Foundation** of the kingdom; the prosperity and stability of the nation were directly tied to the careful oversight of its agricultural wealth. This echoes principles found in [Proverbs 27:23-27](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23-27 - Care for Your Flocks"). Thirdly, the verse illustrates **Delegation and Expertise**, as David appointed specific individuals, like Shitrai and Shaphat, to manage distinct geographical areas, recognizing the need for specialized knowledge and efficient distribution of authority. This mirrors the wisdom of delegation seen in figures like Jethro advising Moses in [Exodus 18:21-22](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21-22 - Moses' Delegation of Authority").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Herds (Hebrew, _miqneh'_):** This term refers broadly to livestock, encompassing cattle, sheep, and goats, which were the primary forms of wealth and sustenance in ancient Israel. The word itself often implies "acquired property" or "possession," underscoring the economic value and importance of these animals as royal assets. Their management was not a trivial matter but central to the king's prosperity and the nation's well-being.
* **Sharon (Hebrew, _Sharon'_):** A renowned fertile coastal plain in central Israel, stretching from Joppa to Mount Carmel. It was famous for its rich pastures and abundant flora, making it an ideal region for grazing large numbers of cattle. The mention of "Shitrai the Sharonite" suggests either his origin from this region or his recognized expertise in managing its specific agricultural conditions, highlighting the specialized nature of David's appointments.
* **Valleys (Hebrew, _ha'amaqim'_):** This plural term refers to various low-lying areas, often fertile and well-watered, suitable for pasturage. The contrast with Sharon indicates that David's herds were dispersed across different geographical zones, requiring diverse management strategies and specialized oversight for each type of terrain and climate. This detail speaks to the comprehensive and strategic nature of David's agricultural administration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And over the herds that fed in Sharon [was] Shitrai the Sharonite:"** This clause introduces the first of two officials responsible for the royal herds. "Herds that fed in Sharon" specifies the location of a particular segment of the king's livestock, emphasizing the region's suitability for grazing. Shitrai, identified as "the Sharonite," was the appointed overseer, indicating either his place of origin or his specialized knowledge of this fertile plain, underscoring the importance of regional expertise in David's administration.
* **"and over the herds [that were] in the valleys [was] Shaphat the son of Adlai:"** This second clause introduces another distinct segment of the royal herds, those located in "the valleys." This suggests a broader distribution of the king's livestock beyond the Sharon plain, requiring separate management. Shaphat, identified by his lineage "the son of Adlai," was the official entrusted with this responsibility, highlighting the delegation of authority and the specific individuals chosen for these vital roles within the kingdom's economic structure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in this verse, and indeed throughout [1 Chronicles 27](/1-chronicles/27 "1 Chronicles 27 - David's Officers"), is **List** or **Cataloging**. The Chronicler meticulously enumerates the various officials and their specific roles, providing a comprehensive overview of David's highly organized administration. This detailed listing serves to emphasize the king's foresight, his commitment to order, and the breadth of his preparations for the kingdom's future. There is also an implicit **Parallelism** in the structure of the two clauses, highlighting the similar yet distinct responsibilities of Shitrai and Shaphat, each overseeing herds in different geographical locations. This structural repetition underscores the systematic nature of David's appointments. Furthermore, the specific naming of "Sharon" and "the valleys" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the names of the regions stand in for the particular type of pasturage and agricultural conditions found there, indicating specialized care required for each. The very inclusion of such a seemingly minor detail also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, demonstrating the Chronicler's intent to highlight the thoroughness and divine wisdom behind David's governance, even in the practical matters of daily economic life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly administrative detail in 1 Chronicles 27:29 carries profound theological and thematic weight. It illustrates the biblical principle that all aspects of life, including the mundane and economic, fall under the purview of divine order and require faithful stewardship. David's meticulous organization of his kingdom, down to the management of royal herds, reflects a commitment to prudence and accountability that mirrors God's own orderly creation and governance. It teaches that true leadership involves diligent oversight of all entrusted resources, recognizing their value and ensuring their proper care for the benefit of the community and the glory of God. This attention to detail in the material realm is not separate from spiritual devotion but an expression of it, demonstrating that faithfulness in "little things" is just as important as faithfulness in grand endeavors.

* [Proverbs 27:23-27](/proverbs/27-23 "Proverbs 27:23-27 - Care for Your Flocks")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Dominion Mandate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed administrative records of King David, including the appointment of officials like Shitrai and Shaphat, offer a compelling model for contemporary life. This verse reminds us that effective leadership and responsible living involve diligent attention to the resources entrusted to us, whether they are material possessions, talents, time, or relationships. Just as David recognized the economic importance of his herds and delegated their care to experts, we are called to be wise stewards of all that God has placed in our hands. This means identifying our "herds" – our responsibilities and assets – and ensuring they are managed with intentionality, order, and accountability. It challenges us to consider where we might be neglecting practical details or failing to delegate effectively, and encourages us to value all forms of work, recognizing that even seemingly mundane tasks contribute to the overall well-being and flourishing of God's kingdom. Our faithfulness in these practical matters reflects our understanding of God as the ultimate provider and owner of all things, and our role as His trusted managers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "herds" or resources has God entrusted to your care (e.g., finances, family, skills, time, ministry responsibilities)?**
* **In what areas of your life could you apply more intentional organization and diligent stewardship, inspired by David's example?**
* **Do you recognize and value the importance of specialized expertise and wise delegation in your own life or in the communities you serve?**
* **How does faithful management of practical, "mundane" tasks contribute to your overall spiritual growth and witness?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a seemingly minor detail included in Scripture?**

Answer: The inclusion of seemingly minor details like the oversight of royal herds in 1 Chronicles 27:29 serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on the thoroughness and divine wisdom behind King David's administration, demonstrating his comprehensive preparation for the kingdom and the temple. It underscores that God's order extends to all aspects of life, not just the overtly spiritual. Secondly, it provides a historical record of the kingdom's economic foundations and the sophisticated administrative structures in place. Finally, it offers practical lessons on stewardship, delegation, and the value of all work, showing that faithfulness in practical matters is an expression of devotion and wise leadership, a principle applicable to all believers today (see [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")).

**What was the significance of 'Sharon' and 'the valleys' in this context?**

Answer: "Sharon" refers to the fertile coastal plain in ancient Israel, renowned for its rich pastures and ideal conditions for raising livestock. It was a prime agricultural asset for the kingdom. "The valleys" (Hebrew: _ha'amaqim_) refers to other lower-lying, often well-watered, areas suitable for grazing throughout the land. Their mention signifies the geographical breadth of the royal herds and the diverse pasturage available. By appointing separate overseers for these distinct regions, David demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of land management and the need for specialized expertise tailored to different ecological conditions, maximizing the productivity and health of the king's valuable assets.

**What can we learn about leadership from David's example here?**

Answer: From David's appointment of Shitrai and Shaphat, we learn several key principles of effective leadership. David demonstrated **meticulous organization** by establishing a comprehensive administrative structure that covered all aspects of the kingdom, including its economic base. He practiced **wise delegation**, entrusting specific responsibilities to capable individuals, recognizing that no single person can manage everything. He valued **specialized expertise**, appointing individuals who were either from or knowledgeable about specific regions like Sharon. Finally, his actions highlight the importance of **diligent stewardship** over all resources, understanding that responsible management of material assets is vital for the prosperity and stability of any endeavor, whether a kingdom, a business, or a household.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 27:29 details David's earthly administration, it subtly points to the ultimate and perfect stewardship of Jesus Christ. David, as king, sought to bring order and prosperity to his kingdom through careful management of its resources, including the herds that sustained its economy. This foreshadows Christ, who is the true and eternal King, not merely of an earthly kingdom, but of all creation and the Church. Just as David appointed overseers for his herds, Christ is the supreme Shepherd and Overseer of His flock, the Church, ensuring its provision, protection, and growth (see [1 Peter 5:4](/1-peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd")). He perfectly embodies the principles of wise management and diligent care, for in Him "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ's Supremacy")). Furthermore, Christ's parable of the talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents") underscores His expectation of faithful stewardship from His followers, echoing David's administrative diligence but elevating it to a spiritual plane where all entrusted gifts and responsibilities are to be managed for the glory of God and the advancement of His eternal kingdom. Christ, as the ultimate administrator, perfectly manages the "riches" of God's grace and the "assets" of His people, leading them to eternal flourishing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 5:16

And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders.

Isaiah 65:10

And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.