Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 27:29. It's a bit old and a little mysterious, but it speaks to a very important aspect of ancient Israelite society. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes how the Israelites were managing their livestock – specifically, where they kept their animals – and the people responsible for them. It’s about who was responsible for looking after the animals and ensuring they were cared for properly. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And over the herds that fed in Sharon [was] Shitrai…” This means "and over the herds that were feeding in Sharon." Let’s break down “Sharon” – it refers to a specific region of Israel, likely near the border with Lebanon. "Shitrai" is a Hebrew word that means "the one who feeds." So, this describes a group of people or animals feeding in Sharon. "...the Sharonite:..." This identifies the people responsible – the Sharonites. “And over the herds [that were] in the valleys [was] Shaphat the son of Adlai:” This is where it gets interesting. “Shaphat” refers to a man named Shaphat. "The valleys" means the areas of land that are valleys or depressions. "Adlai" refers to his father, Adlai. So, this describes who was responsible for looking after these herds – Shaphat’s son, Adlai. Putting it all together: This verse tells us that the Sharonites were responsible for the herds feeding in the region of Sharon, and their son, Shaphat, was tasked with ensuring those herds were well-fed and cared for. It highlights a system of leadership and responsibility within this area. Why is this important? Ancient Israelite Society: This passage shows us about how ancient societies organized their resources – livestock, food production, and the management of these resources. Royal Responsibility: It illustrates a hierarchical structure with a king or leader (the Sharonites) overseeing a group of people (the herds). This reflects the idea that leaders had a responsibility to care for their people’s property and needs. Important Note: The exact details of this region and the nature of the herds are somewhat debated among scholars, but it points to an important part of the early history of Israelite communities. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like me to explain a particular aspect in more detail?