Adlai
Adlai was responsible for overseeing King David's herds that were pastured in the valleys.
Biography
Adlai is mentioned briefly in 1 Chronicles 27:29 as the father of Shaphat, who served as the official appointed over the herds pastured in the valleys during the reign of King David. The chapter catalogues the administrators responsible for managing the agricultural and pastoral wealth of the Davidic kingdom, which was extensive and carefully organized by tribe, geography, and resource type. Adlai himself is not mentioned in any other biblical text, and his biographical details are limited to this genealogical note. His son Shaphat's appointment as royal herdsman over the valley herds indicates that Adlai's family had knowledge of animal husbandry and held sufficient standing to be entrusted with the stewardship of royal livestock, a significant economic responsibility in an agrarian society.
Significance
Adlai's legacy through his son Shaphat illustrates the biblical vision of a well-ordered community in which diverse vocations, from priestly service to pastoral agriculture, all contribute to the flourishing of God's people. The detailed administrative lists in 1 Chronicles 27 reflect David's wisdom in recognizing that ruling God's people well required not only military prowess and religious devotion but also skilled management of material resources. Adlai's family represents the overlooked majority of Israelites whose faithful work in ordinary occupations sustained the social fabric of the kingdom. This serves as a theological reminder that all honorable labor, however unglamorous, can be an expression of faithful stewardship before God.
Verse Appearances (1)
1 Chronicles
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]