An important animal among Hebrews, and a main source of wealth
Shepherd’s occupation highly respectable (Gen. 4:2; Ex. 3:1; 1 Sam. 16:11; Job 42:12), though odious to Egyptians. Used for sacrifices (Ex. 20:24; 29:38; Lev. 9:3); for food (1 Sam. 25:18). Wool used for clothing (Lev. 13:47). Skins used for tabernacle coverings (Ex. 25:5). Paid as tribute (2 Kings 3:4). Sheep and shepherd employed much figuratively (2 Chron. 18:16; Psa. 119:176; Matt. 9:36; John 10:11; Heb. 13:20). The common sheep of Syria and Palestine was the broad-tailed variety.