He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook that David's selection wasn't just a random pick; God chose him as His "servant," a title of honor reserved for those in special relationship with Him, highlighting David's future pivotal role in God's plan. This choice from the humble sheepfolds underscores that God's power and purpose are often revealed through the most unexpected and seemingly ordinary individuals.
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm has recounted Israel's repeated failures and God's enduring patience, moving from their early wilderness struggles to their eventual settlement in the land. After detailing how God rejected the tabernacle at Shiloh and the tribe of Ephraim, the narrative pivots to God's sovereign choice of Judah and the mountain of Zion as His dwelling place. This leads directly to God's selection of David, not from a position of power or prestige, but from humble beginnings as a shepherd, to lead His people.
Ever feel like you're just an ordinary person with no grand destiny? This verse reminds us that God often chooses the most unlikely people for His most important plans.
The psalm highlights David, a shepherd boy, as God's chosen leader. This wasn't a random pick; it was a deliberate act by God.
The Shepherd's Preparation
David's life tending sheep wasn't just a job; it was training. It taught him patience, responsibility, and care for the vulnerable – qualities essential for leading God's people.
Divine Selection
God looks beyond outward appearances and perceived status. He chose David not because he was the strongest or most qualified in the eyes of the world, but because of his heart and His own sovereign purpose.
What does it truly mean to lead? This verse points to a king who was also called God's 'servant,' revealing a profound truth about true authority.
David is called 'David his servant.' This title isn't just a label; it defines the nature of his leadership.
A King Who Serves
Unlike rulers who seek power for themselves, David's calling was to serve God and His people. This servant role shaped his entire reign.
Leading by Example
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His shepherd background, as mentioned in the verse, equipped him to 'feed' God's people with care and integrity. True leadership, in God's eyes, is about selfless service and genuine care for those entrusted to you.
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 verse highlights God's sovereign choice, elevating David from a humble shepherd to Israel's king. It emphasizes that God's selection isn't based on human status but on His own purpose, a theme deeply connected to David's own life story and the establishment of his dynasty.
c. 1050 BC
Saul's Rejection
God rejects Saul as king over Israel due to his disobedience. This opens the door for a new king to be chosen.
c. 1040 BC— this verse
Samuel Anoints David
The prophet Samuel, guided by God, anoints the young shepherd David as the future king of Israel, despite his humble origins.
c. 1040-1010 BC
David's Flight and Reign
David spends years fleeing from King Saul before eventually being established as king, first over Judah, then all of Israel.
c. 1010-970 BC
David's Reign as King
David unifies Israel, establishes Jerusalem as the capital, and secures the kingdom, laying the groundwork for future generations.
This passage directly recounts the anointing of David, highlighting his humble beginnings as a shepherd being chosen by God, mirroring the Psalm's emphasis.
2 Samuel 7:8Here, God reminds David of His faithfulness in choosing him from his pastoral duties to be ruler over Israel, echoing the theme of God's sovereign choice from obscurity.
Amos 7:14-15The prophet Amos, like David, was called from a life of shepherding, illustrating a pattern where God often chooses those with humble backgrounds to deliver significant messages or lead His people.
Exodus 3:1-2Moses, another pivotal figure in Israel's history, was called by God while tending sheep, further reinforcing the idea that God often selects leaders from ordinary, even seemingly insignificant, vocations.
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).
It's easy to overlook that David's selection wasn't just a random pick; God chose him as His "servant," a title of honor reserved for those in special relationship with Him, highlighting David's future pivotal role in God's plan. This choice from the humble sheepfolds underscores that God's power and purpose are often revealed through the most unexpected and seemingly ordinary individuals.
The psalm has recounted Israel's repeated failures and God's enduring patience, moving from their early wilderness struggles to their eventual settlement in the land. After detailing how God rejected the tabernacle at Shiloh and the tribe of Ephraim, the narrative pivots to God's sovereign choice of Judah and the mountain of Zion as His dwelling place. This leads directly to God's selection of David, not from a position of power or prestige, but from humble beginnings as a shepherd, to lead His people.
The psalm has recounted Israel's repeated failures and God's enduring patience, moving from their early wilderness struggles to their eventual settlement in the land. After detailing how God rejected the tabernacle at Shiloh and the tribe of Ephraim, the narrative pivots to God's sovereign choice of Judah and the mountain of Zion as His dwelling place. This leads directly to God's selection of David, not from a position of power or prestige, but from humble beginnings as a shepherd, to lead His people.
"He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;" — It's easy to overlook that David's selection wasn't just a random pick; God chose him as His "servant," a title of honor reserved for those in special relationship with Him, highlighting David's futu…
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Last reviewed October 2026