Psalms 78:70-72
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. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that David, God's chosen king, was taken from the humble task of tending sheep. This emphasizes God's pattern of choosing the unlikely and lowly, demonstrating His power and sovereignty not in worldly status, but in elevating those who are faithful and diligent in simple tasks.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's many mercies. After detailing God's rejection of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the tribe of Ephraim, the focus shifts to God's deliberate choice of Judah and Mount Zion. From this chosen lineage and place, God then selects David, not from a position of power or prominence, but from the humble task of shepherding sheep.
How often does God choose the overlooked and seemingly unqualified for His greatest purposes?
This verse highlights a central theme in God's dealings: His preference for humble beginnings. David wasn't a prince or a warrior; he was a shepherd boy. His life among the sheepfolds, a solitary and often mundane task, prepared him in ways no royal upbringing could.
Lessons from the Sheepfolds:
Why would God choose a shepherd boy over his more prominent brothers to lead a nation?
The selection of David is a powerful display of God's sovereignty. It wasn't based on status, lineage, or outward appearance, but on God's own divine plan and insight into David's heart.
Divine Election:
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.
This verse highlights God's sovereign choice, selecting David from a humble shepherd's life to be king. It underscores that God often elevates the unlikely, not based on status or background, but on His divine purpose and David's faithful heart, mirroring His ultimate choice of Jesus.
c. 1040 BC
Saul's Reign and Rejection
Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience, setting the stage for a new king to be sought.
c. 1025 BC— this verse
Samuel Anoints David
The prophet Samuel, guided by God, secretly anoints the young shepherd David as the future king of Israel, despite David being the youngest of his brothers.
c. 1010 BC
David Flees from Saul
David, now a renowned warrior for defeating Goliath, is forced to flee from King Saul, living as a fugitive for years while honing his leadership skills in the wilderness.
c. 1004 BC
David Becomes King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David is first made king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron, while the rest of Israel remains divided.
This passage directly describes God choosing David from his work as a shepherd, mirroring the Psalmist's account and showing the divine selection process.
2 Samuel 7:8God reiterates His choice of David from his humble beginnings, linking his kingship to God's past actions and His covenant promises.
Amos 7:14-15The prophet Amos, also chosen from a humble background as a shepherd, parallels David's story and demonstrates God's consistent pattern of elevating ordinary individuals for His purposes.
Exodus 3:1-10Moses, like David, was called from tending sheep to a significant leadership role, highlighting God's preference for using humble origins to fulfill His redemptive plans.
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 David, God's chosen king, was taken from the humble task of tending sheep. This emphasizes God's pattern of choosing the unlikely and lowly, demonstrating His power and sovereignty not in worldly status, but in elevating those who are faithful and diligent in simple tasks.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's many mercies. After detailing God's rejection of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the tribe of Ephraim, the focus shifts to God's deliberate choice of Judah and Mount Zion. From this chosen lineage and place, God then selects David, not from a position of power or prominence, but from the humble task of shepherding sheep.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's many mercies. After detailing God's rejection of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the tribe of Ephraim, the focus shifts to God's deliberate choice of Judah and Mount Zion. From this chosen lineage and place, God then selects David, not from a position of power or prominence, but from the humble task of shepherding sheep.
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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.
tom · Hebrew Noun
Referring to a state of moral integrity, sincerity, and ethical purity; it describes a person whose inner motivations and outward actions are aligned with God's will.
nachah · Hebrew Verb
The act of leading, directing, or showing the way; it implies divine or wise instruction and the provision of leadership that keeps people on the correct path.
tebunah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to competence, discernment, and the ability to act with wisdom and precision; in a leadership context, it signifies the capacity to manage, protect, and provide for others effectively.
c. 1000 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
After unifying the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as his capital, David is finally recognized as the king over all twelve tribes of Israel.
"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. With upright heart he shepherded them and gui…" — The verse highlights that David, God's chosen king, was taken from the humble task of tending sheep. This emphasizes God's pattern of choosing the unlikely and lowly, demonstrating His power and sove…
