Topical Bible: Kings: Their Revenues Derived From: Their own Flocks and Herds

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In the ancient Near Eastern context, including the biblical narrative, kings often derived a portion of their revenues from their own flocks and herds. This practice was not only a reflection of the agrarian-based economy but also a demonstration of the king's wealth and resource management. The Bible provides several instances where the prosperity of a king is linked to the abundance of livestock.

One of the most notable examples is King David, who, before ascending to the throne, was a shepherd. His understanding and management of flocks likely contributed to his later success as a ruler. In 1 Chronicles 27:29, the Bible records the organization of David's kingdom, including the oversight of his herds: "Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds that grazed in Sharon, and Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys."

King Solomon, David's son, also had extensive herds and flocks, which were part of his vast wealth. In Ecclesiastes 2:7, Solomon reflects on his wealth, stating, "I acquired male and female servants, and I had other servants who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me." This abundance was a testament to his prosperity and the economic strength of his reign.

The management of flocks and herds was not only a source of wealth but also a means of sustaining the royal household and the broader economy. In 1 Samuel 8:17, when the Israelites demanded a king, Samuel warned them of the potential burdens a king would impose, including taking a portion of their flocks: "He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves." This indicates that the king's revenue from livestock was also supplemented by contributions from the people.

Furthermore, the biblical narrative often uses the imagery of shepherding to describe the ideal leadership qualities of a king. This metaphor underscores the importance of flocks and herds in the socio-economic and spiritual life of Israel. The prophet Ezekiel, for instance, criticizes the leaders of Israel for failing to shepherd the people properly, drawing a parallel between the care of flocks and the governance of the nation (Ezekiel 34:2-3).

In summary, the revenues derived from flocks and herds were a significant aspect of a king's wealth and economic strategy in biblical times. This practice is well-documented in the Scriptures, highlighting the integral role of livestock in the prosperity and governance of a kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 32:29
Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Theban Empire
... watered, and well tilled, but the revenues from this ... been annexed under the Theban
kings and were ... cataracts, where hereditary barons held their courts, trained ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... forest to which the priests and kings alone had ... Shushinak is an adjective derived
from the ... of the priests by piously augmenting their revenues, and throughout ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... not from his great-grandfather, that Harmhabi derived his indisputable ... the individuals
whom the texts mention as their princes were not the kings of these ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... xvi.2, 3): as to the revenues by which the treasury of the temple was ... cause to fear,
but it would also bring back the Hittite kings to their allegiance, and ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... The revenues gleaned from these conquests would swell the treasury at ... their tribute,
or the spoil which the Assyrian kings carried off from their country. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... This was, indeed, the sole benefit that he derived from the ... Like the Pharaohs, the
kings of Lydia were accustomed to construct during their lifetime the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The prose account probably is derived from the song. ... "And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore
and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm