### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nôqêd**, represented by `{{H5349}}`, translates to **herdman** or **sheepmaster**. The term derives from the idea of a "spotter" of sheep or cattle, referring to an owner or tender who marks their animals. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating a specific and rare designation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5349}}` is used to describe two distinct individuals. The prophet Amos is identified as being "among the **herdmen** of Tekoa" [[Amos 1:1]], establishing his background before he received his prophetic vision concerning Israel. The term is also applied to royalty, where Mesha, the king of Moab, is described as a **sheepmaster** [[2 Kings 3:4]]. This verse highlights his great wealth, noting that he rendered a tribute to the king of Israel of one hundred thousand lambs and one hundred thousand rams.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of a **nôqêd**:
* `{{H3733}}` **kar** (lamb): This word refers to a full-grown ram or lamb, often implying fatness and maturity. It represents the primary livestock managed by a **sheepmaster** like Mesha, who rendered one hundred thousand **lambs** as tribute [[2 Kings 3:4]].
* `{{H352}}` **'ayil** (ram): Signifying strength, this word is used for a ram but can also describe a chief or a strong support. Its usage in parallel with **kar** highlights the vast flocks of the **sheepmaster** Mesha, who also provided one hundred thousand **rams** [[2 Kings 3:4]].
* `{{H6785}}` **tsemer** (wool): This term denotes wool, a key product derived from the flocks. The tribute paid by Mesha included not only the animals but also their valuable **wool**, emphasizing the economic scope of the sheepmaster's enterprise [[2 Kings 3:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5349}}` comes from its specific application to contrasting figures:
* **Prophetic Calling from a Humble Station:** The designation of Amos as a **herdman** from Tekoa [[Amos 1:1]] highlights a key biblical theme: God often calls his messengers from ordinary backgrounds. Amos himself clarifies his status, stating he was a herdman before the LORD called him to prophesy [[Amos 7:14]].
* **Earthly Wealth and Authority:** The title is also applied to Mesha, **king** `{{H4428}}` of Moab, whose role as a **sheepmaster** was the source of immense wealth and the basis for his tribute to Israel [[2 Kings 3:4]]. This connects the role to secular power and national economies in the ancient world.
* **The Intersection of the Sacred and the Secular:** The use of **nôqêd** for both a prophet of God and a foreign king demonstrates how the same role can exist in different spheres. One **herdman** is chosen to deliver God's divine **words** `{{H1697}}`, while the other engages in the politics and commerce of earthly kingdoms.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5349}}` **nôqêd** is a specific term for a **herdman** or **sheepmaster** that, despite appearing only twice, carries significant weight. It uniquely links the humble prophet Amos of Tekoa to the wealthy king Mesha of Moab, illustrating that the same occupation could describe both a man of God called from the fields and a powerful political figure. The word encapsulates a world of animal husbandry, economic tribute, and the unexpected ways in which God chooses His servants, whether they are tending flocks or ruling nations.
TRV