Ancient (and not-so-ancient) herders were nomads, but they didn't move randomly. They guided their herds on regular circuits of pastureland. When one area was grazed down, they moved on to the next, mimicking the behavior of wild herds. They couldn't break camp and move on to anywhere they wanted; there were cities, farms, and even ranches that had to be respected. Even so, they often competed with each other for access to grazing and water, sometimes violently. This is the background for the conflict and negotiations between King Abimelech and Father Abraham in #genesis 20. #vayera