Topical Bible: Women: Tended Flocks and Herds

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In the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East, tending flocks and herds was a vital occupation, essential for the sustenance and economic stability of families and communities. The Bible provides several instances where women are depicted as shepherds or caretakers of livestock, highlighting their active participation in this crucial aspect of daily life.

One of the earliest references to women tending flocks is found in the account of Rachel, the daughter of Laban. In Genesis 29:9, Rachel is introduced as a shepherdess: "While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess." This passage underscores Rachel's role in her family’s livelihood, as she was responsible for the care and management of the sheep, a task that required diligence, strength, and skill.

Similarly, the daughters of Jethro, the priest of Midian, are depicted as shepherdesses in Exodus 2:16-17. The text states, "Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock." This account not only illustrates the daughters' involvement in tending the flocks but also highlights the challenges they faced, such as competing with other shepherds for resources like water.

The role of women in tending flocks and herds is further exemplified in the account of Abigail, the wife of Nabal. Although not explicitly described as a shepherdess, Abigail's interaction with David's men in 1 Samuel 25:18-19 suggests her familiarity with the management of her household's resources, which likely included livestock. Her quick and decisive actions in providing provisions for David's men indicate her competence and authority in overseeing her household's affairs.

These biblical accounts reflect the broader cultural context in which women were actively involved in agricultural and pastoral duties. Their participation in tending flocks and herds was not merely a supplementary role but an integral part of the family economy. Women’s involvement in these tasks demonstrates their capability and resourcefulness, contributing significantly to the well-being and prosperity of their families.

The depiction of women as shepherds in the Bible also carries symbolic significance. Shepherding is often used metaphorically to describe leadership and care, as seen in the portrayal of God as the Shepherd of Israel (Psalm 23:1). Thus, the inclusion of women in this role may also suggest their capacity for leadership and stewardship within their communities.

In summary, the biblical narrative acknowledges the important role women played in tending flocks and herds, highlighting their contributions to the economic and social fabric of their communities. Through the examples of Rachel, the daughters of Jethro, and Abigail, the Bible presents a picture of women who were industrious, capable, and integral to the pastoral life of ancient Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 24:11,13,14,19,20
And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.
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Genesis 29:9
And while he yet spoke with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep; for she kept them.
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Exodus 2:16
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.
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Library

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... Now my discourse is for the women. ... most costly garments and other choice things,
are tended with special ... When he had so many camels, and flocks, and herds, or ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xx hebrews x 26.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... The breast-covering of the women was colored, and was ... They were tended by
under-shepherds wearing coats reaching ... would examine as diligently the flocks in ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... 15; 20:2; 26:7) regarded unmarried women abroad in ... "Flocks" and "herds" and "asses"
are listed because these ... to Jacob, because she had loved and tended him in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... no one ever has thought of the virtue of flocks or herds ... possession we have, are
to be duly tended and cleansed ... For men and women, young and old, rich and poor ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The First Theban Empire
... in which they took refuge with their flocks and herds ... was supplied by detachments
of Berber women and children ... but its various parts have always tended to reunite ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... do not say he designed our breach, but his arguments tended thereto; and ... to know
the state of thy flocks, whether they be flocks of men, or women; and look ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... that the notables of Byblos and the women of his ... up the vines, seized on the flocks,
dismantled the ... their calling frequently brought them, all tended to enlist ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... for the ancient deities; but he added to them others, which tended to secure the ...
Ida on the north, veiled in cloud, rich in the flocks and herds upon its ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The First Kings.
... in defence of his sheep, returned to his flocks, a king ... from the lion and the bear,
when he tended his father's ... decision in the case of the two women, one of ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... unwrought gold, and by offering him the most beautiful women of their ... son of
Burnaburiash II., to Mubauitatserua, daughter of Assuruballit, tended to restore ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm