Psalms 78:70
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 78:70
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that God's choice of David wasn't just about picking a king, but about revealing His own character. Taking David from the humble work of shepherding underscores that God often elevates those who have faithfully served in obscurity, demonstrating His preference for character over status. This choice mirrors how God calls and equips His servants, even from the most ordinary beginnings, to fulfill His extraordinary purposes.
After recounting Israel's repeated failures and God's patient faithfulness through wilderness trials and Egyptian plagues, the psalm shifts to God's decisive choice of Judah, Zion, and ultimately David. This section culminates in God establishing a lasting dwelling place for Himself in Jerusalem and appointing David, a humble shepherd, to lead His people, foreshadowing a more permanent kingship and sanctuary.
Have you ever felt overlooked or too ordinary for God's plans? This verse flips that idea on its head.
The Psalmist Asaph is recounting Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness. In this context, he points to a pivotal moment: God's selection of David.
A Shepherd's Humble Beginning
David wasn't a prince, a warrior, or a priest. He was a shepherd boy, tending sheep in the fields. The commentators point out that this wasn't just a random detail; it emphasizes the lowly origins from which God chose David. He was taken 'from the sheepfolds' – a place of quiet responsibility, perhaps, but far from the centers of power and prestige.
Divine Election Over Human Expectation
This choice wasn't based on David's status, his resume, or what anyone else expected. It was entirely God's sovereign decision. This illustrates a powerful biblical theme: God often chooses the unexpected, the humble, and the seemingly unqualified to carry out His purposes. It’s a reminder that our background doesn't limit God's ability to use us.
David is called God's 'servant.' What does that title truly reveal about his role and God's intention?
Calling David 'his servant' is more than just a title; it defines the very nature of his calling and relationship with God.
A Title of Honor and Duty
While many Israelites might have called themselves God's servant, David is singled out for this distinction. Commentaries suggest this 'title of honor' was reserved for those in a special relationship or undertaking a special service for God, like Abraham or Moses.
Responsibility and Dependence
As God's servant, David's primary role was to obey and carry out God's will. This wasn't about personal ambition but about faithful execution of a divine commission. The commentators note that David was chosen 'to feed Jacob his people,' highlighting his responsibility to care for God's inheritance, just as a shepherd cares for his flock.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
One who serves a master or superior. In a theological context, a servant of God is one who submits fully to the divine will, living in obedience and fulfilling the tasks assigned by the Lord.
This psalm highlights God's sovereign choice, not based on outward status or lineage, but on David's faithful heart, even from his humble beginnings as a shepherd.
c. 1040 BC
Saul becomes King of Israel
The first king of Israel, Saul, is chosen and anointed, marking the transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy. However, his reign is later marked by disobedience.
c. 1030 BC
Samuel Anoints David
The prophet Samuel, acting on God's command, secretly anoints David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel while Saul is still on the throne.
c. 1025 BC— this verse
David as Shepherd and Warrior
David spends his youth tending his father's sheep, gaining experience in care and protection, and later gains fame for his victory over Goliath, demonstrating his courage and faith.
c. 1010 BC
David becomes King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David is first made king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron, beginning his ascent to the throne of all Israel.
This passage directly recounts God's selection of David, emphasizing his humble origins as a shepherd boy, mirroring the Psalmist's description.
2 Samuel 7:8Nathan the prophet reminds David of God's promise, stating, 'I took you from the pasture, from following flocks, to be ruler over my people Israel.' This echoes the theme of God's sovereign choice from humble beginnings.
Amos 7:14-15The prophet Amos, like David, was taken from a humble shepherding background to serve as a prophet, illustrating God's pattern of choosing unlikely individuals for significant roles.
Exodus 3:1-10God called Moses, who was also a shepherd, from the wilderness to lead His people out of Egypt, demonstrating God's consistent practice of elevating shepherds to positions of leadership and deliverance.
clarkePsalms 78:70: "He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:"
He chose David - See the account 1 Samuel 16:11 (note), etc.
pulpitPsalms 78:70: "He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:"
Verse 70. - He chose David also his servant (see 1 Samuel 16:1, 12). And took him from the sheepfolds (comp. 1 Samuel 16:11, 19; 2 Samuel 7:8).
The verse highlights that God's choice of David wasn't just about picking a king, but about revealing His own character. Taking David from the humble work of shepherding underscores that God often elevates those who have faithfully served in obscurity, demonstrating His preference for character over status. This choice mirrors how God calls and equips His servants, even from the most ordinary beginnings, to fulfill His extraordinary purposes.
After recounting Israel's repeated failures and God's patient faithfulness through wilderness trials and Egyptian plagues, the psalm shifts to God's decisive choice of Judah, Zion, and ultimately David. This section culminates in God establishing a lasting dwelling place for Himself in Jerusalem and appointing David, a humble shepherd, to lead His people, foreshadowing a more permanent kingship and sanctuary.
After recounting Israel's repeated failures and God's patient faithfulness through wilderness trials and Egyptian plagues, the psalm shifts to God's decisive choice of Judah, Zion, and ultimately David. This section culminates in God establishing a lasting dwelling place for Himself in Jerusalem and appointing David, a humble shepherd, to lead His people, foreshadowing a more permanent kingship and sanctuary.
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A Type of Christ
This role as servant King is a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is also called God's servant. Jesus perfectly embodied this role, submitting to God's will even unto death, to shepherd God's people. David's service, though flawed, points to the ultimate, perfect service of Christ.
c. 1003 BC
David becomes King of all Israel
After unifying the tribes, David is crowned king over all Israel, establishing his reign and consolidating the kingdom.
c. 1000 BC
Jerusalem becomes David's Capital
David captures the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital, making it the political and spiritual center of the united kingdom.
"He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;" — The verse highlights that God's choice of David wasn't just about picking a king, but about revealing His own character. Taking David from the humble work of shepherding underscores that God often el…