Psalms 78:70-71
He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While it highlights David's humble origins, the verse emphasizes that God chose him as His "servant," a title of honor usually reserved for prophets and kings, not just a shepherd. This choice from the sheepfolds points to God's pattern of elevating the overlooked to positions of profound responsibility and divine service.
The psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's repeated acts of deliverance. After detailing their rejection of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the subsequent scattering of God's presence, the narrative shifts to God's sovereign choice to establish a new dwelling place and a new leadership. This pivotal moment involves God choosing the tribe of Judah and the city of Zion, and then selecting David, a humble shepherd, to lead His people.
Have you ever felt overlooked or unqualified for a great task? God's choice of David from the sheepfolds offers a powerful perspective on how He operates.
The Bible consistently shows God choosing the unexpected to accomplish His purposes. David, the youngest son, a shepherd boy, was literally pulled from tending sheep to become the future king of Israel. This wasn't just a random act; it was a deliberate choice highlighting God's sovereignty and His preference for humble beginnings.
A Shepherd's Training
David’s time in the sheepfolds wasn't just downtime; it was preparation. He learned patience, diligence, and courage protecting his flock from predators. This background would equip him for the immense responsibility of leading and protecting God's people.
God's Criteria vs. Ours
Our human eyes look at outward appearances, lineage, or perceived strength. God, however, looks at the heart and chooses those who are faithful, even in seemingly insignificant roles. David's selection demonstrates that God's plan doesn't rely on human qualifications but on His own sovereign will.
Why does the Bible call David God's 'servant'? It reveals a deeper aspect of his calling that goes beyond earthly rule.
The title 'servant' given to David in this verse is crucial. It's not just a casual label but a designation of his purpose and relationship with God.
A Servant's Duty
While David was chosen to be king, his primary identity in God's eyes was as His servant. This meant his reign was not about self-exaltation but about faithfully executing God's will for His people, Israel. He was called to 'feed Jacob his people and Israel his inheritance,' a task requiring devotion and care.
A Typological Foreshadowing
David's role as a servant-king also pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Servant-King. Like David, Jesus came from humble beginnings and faithfully served His people, ultimately giving His life for them. The choice of David sets the stage for understanding the reign and service of Christ.
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.
ra'ah · Hebrew Verb
The action of caring for, leading, protecting, and feeding a flock of animals, used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the role of God or human leaders (kings/prophets) in relation to His people.
Ya'aqov · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name given to the patriarch; it refers to the covenant people of God, often highlighting their human origin and historical struggles.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name given to Jacob by God; it refers to the nation as God's chosen people, emphasizing their spiritual identity and relationship with the Almighty.
Psalm 78 highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people falter. The choice of David, a humble shepherd, to lead Israel underscores God's sovereign power to elevate the seemingly insignificant for His grand purposes.
c. 1060 BC
Saul's Reign and Rejection
Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen but later rejected by God due to his disobedience, creating a need for a new leader.
c. 1060 BC— this verse
Samuel Anoints David
The prophet Samuel, guided by God, secretly anoints David, a young shepherd, as the future king of Israel while Saul is still on the throne.
c. 1040 BC
David's Rise to Prominence
David gains fame as a warrior, particularly after defeating the giant Goliath, but also faces persecution from a jealous King Saul.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Judah
After Saul's death, David is first made king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron, consolidating his power base.
c. 1003 BC
This passage directly parallels the verse by detailing Samuel’s anointing of David, a young shepherd, as king, highlighting God's choice of the unlikely.
2 Samuel 7:8This verse explicitly states God's words to David, 'I took you from the pasture... to be ruler over my people Israel,' reinforcing the theme of God's sovereign choice and elevation from humble beginnings.
Amos 7:14-15Amos, like David, was called from a humble pastoral background ('I was not a prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees') to a prophetic ministry, showing a pattern of God choosing the unassuming.
Isaiah 40:11This prophetic imagery beautifully connects to David's role as a shepherd-king, describing God as a tender shepherd who 'gathers the lambs in his arms' and gently leads those who are with young, reflecting David's care for his flock and people.
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).
While it highlights David's humble origins, the verse emphasizes that God chose him as His "servant," a title of honor usually reserved for prophets and kings, not just a shepherd. This choice from the sheepfolds points to God's pattern of elevating the overlooked to positions of profound responsibility and divine service.
The psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's repeated acts of deliverance. After detailing their rejection of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the subsequent scattering of God's presence, the narrative shifts to God's sovereign choice to establish a new dwelling place and a new leadership. This pivotal moment involves God choosing the tribe of Judah and the city of Zion, and then selecting David, a humble shepherd, to lead His people.
The psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's repeated acts of deliverance. After detailing their rejection of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the subsequent scattering of God's presence, the narrative shifts to God's sovereign choice to establish a new dwelling place and a new leadership. This pivotal moment involves God choosing the tribe of Judah and the city of Zion, and then selecting David, a humble shepherd, to lead His people.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 78:70-71 is available in the Sola app.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
That which is received as a possession, often referring to God's relationship with His people; it denotes something special, precious, and set apart for Him.
David Becomes King of All Israel
David is finally recognized as king over all the tribes of Israel, uniting the nation and establishing his rule from Jerusalem.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Dynasty Established
David's reign solidifies the royal line and sets the stage for the Davidic dynasty, from which the Messiah would eventually come.
"He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance." — While it highlights David's humble origins, the verse emphasizes that God chose him as His "servant," a title of honor usually reserved for prophets and kings, not just a shepherd. This choice from…
