Lexical Summary Shitray: Shitray Original Word: שִׁטְרַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shitrai From the same as shoter; magisterial; Shitrai, an Israelite -- Shitrai. see HEBREW shoter NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as shoter Definition an official of David NASB Translation Shitrai (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שִׁטְרַי proper name, masculine an official of David, 1 Chronicles 27:29 Kt ( > Qr שִׁרְטַי); Ασαρταις, Σατραι. Topical Lexicon Occurrence in Scripture Shitrai appears only once in the Old Testament: “Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon” (1 Chronicles 27:29). Historical Context in David’s Administration 1 Chronicles 27 records the intricate organizational structure of King David’s kingdom near the end of his reign. After cataloging the twelve monthly military divisions (1 Chronicles 27:1-15) and tribal leaders (1 Chronicles 27:16-22), the Chronicler lists those who managed the royal estates (1 Chronicles 27:25-31). Within this civil service Shitrai supervised the royal cattle herds pastured on the Plain of Sharon. David’s careful appointment of specialized overseers underscores the stability and prosperity of the united monarchy and reflects the king’s commitment to order, stewardship, and equitable governance (compare 2 Samuel 8:15). Geographical Setting: The Fertile Plain of Sharon Sharon stretches between the Mediterranean Sea and the central highlands, famed for rich pastureland (Isaiah 35:2). By assigning a dedicated officer over herds in this region, David maximized the productivity of prime grazing territory. Shitrai’s title, “the Sharonite,” indicates either origin from Sharon or close association with its management, suggesting expertise attuned to the land’s unique agricultural conditions. Stewardship and Pastoral Oversight Shitrai’s ministry parallels biblical exhortations to diligent care of livestock: “Be sure to know the condition of your flocks; give careful attention to your herds” (Proverbs 27:23). His charge contributed materially to national welfare, supplying meat, milk, and wealth for the royal treasury, while supporting sacrificial worship in the tabernacle (compare Leviticus 1:2-3). The king’s cattle also provided resources for covenant hospitality and relief for the needy, reflecting God’s concern that earthly rulers shepherd His people with integrity (Psalm 78:70-72). Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Faithful service in “ordinary” roles advances God’s purposes. Though Shitrai’s name surfaces only once, his reliability enabled broader kingdom effectiveness (1 Corinthians 12:22-26). Christological Reflections Shitrai tended cattle on the lush Sharon plain, but Jesus, the greater Shepherd-King, tends people: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The administrative order of David’s kingdom anticipates the perfect governance of the Messiah, in whom managerial competence and pastoral compassion unite (Isaiah 9:6-7). Shitrai’s brief cameo therefore points beyond itself to the coming reign where every steward will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Forms and Transliterations שִׁרְטַ֖י שרטי shirTai šir·ṭay širṭayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 27:29 HEB: [שִׁטְרַי כ] (שִׁרְטַ֖י ק) הַשָּׁרוֹנִ֑י NAS: Shitrai the Sharonite had charge KJV: in Sharon [was] Shitrai the Sharonite: INT: were grazing Sharon Shitrai the Sharonite had charge 1 Occurrence |
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