Psalm 78:70-72
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It's easy to focus on the dramatic rise of a shepherd boy to kingship, but what's easily missed is that God’s choice of David wasn't just about elevating an individual; it was about establishing a lasting pattern for leadership. He took David from the sheepfolds to "feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance," highlighting that true leadership, from God's perspective, is defined by humble care and diligent service to God's people, not by power or prestige.
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)
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's mighty acts. After detailing their failures and God's judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh and the ark's capture, the focus shifts to God's gracious choice of David as king. This marks a turning point, emphasizing God's faithfulness in establishing a lasting dynasty and dwelling place in Zion, ultimately through David, His chosen servant.
Has God ever seemed to choose the unlikely? This verse reveals that the most significant leaders often come from the humblest beginnings.
Psalm 78 is a sweeping look at Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and His people's repeated unfaithfulness. In this grand narrative, the psalmist pauses to focus on a pivotal moment: God's choice of David.
A Deliberate Selection
This wasn't a casual pick. The text states, 'He chose David.' This emphasizes God's active, intentional decision. He wasn't waiting for David to rise through the ranks or prove himself in battle. God saw something in David, or perhaps more accurately, God decided to use David, regardless of his current status.
The Servant Role
Notice the phrase 'his servant.' This title isn't just a job description; it's a profound statement of relationship. David, and later, Jesus, would be known as God's servant. It signifies devotion, obedience, and a life given over to God's purposes. Even as king, David's ultimate role was to serve God and His people.
Why would God pick a shepherd boy to be a king? This verse offers a beautiful picture of God valuing character over status.
The imagery of David being taken 'from the sheepfolds' is incredibly potent. It immediately contrasts the humble, even lowly, occupation of shepherding with the high office of kingship.
Lessons from the Sheepfold
Ask a follow-up
What did David learn tending sheep that prepared him for ruling a nation?
God's Pattern
This isn't just about David. It reveals a recurring pattern in God's dealings: He often uses humble beginnings and seemingly ordinary experiences to shape individuals for extraordinary purposes. God values diligence, faithfulness, and character, often found in unassuming places, more than worldly prestige or power.
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.
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.
This verse highlights God's sovereign choice, taking a humble shepherd boy and elevating him to kingship. It emphasizes that God's selection is not based on human status or lineage but on His own purpose and will, setting the stage for the Davidic dynasty and ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah.
c. 1077 BC
Death of Samuel
Samuel, the last of the great judges, dies. This marks a significant shift in Israelite leadership and governance, paving the way for the monarchy.
c. 1077-1052 BC
Saul's Reign
Saul, the first king of Israel, reigns. Despite initial successes, his disobedience leads to God's rejection of his lineage as the future royal line.
c. 1070 BC— this verse
Anointing of 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. 1052 BC
Death of Saul
Saul and his son Jonathan die in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. This event leaves a power vacuum and allows David to ascend to the throne.
c. 1052-1012 BC
David's Reign
David reigns first over Judah and then over all Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and consolidating the kingdom.
This passage directly describes the anointing of David from his humble beginnings as a shepherd, mirroring the verse's emphasis on God's choice from the sheepfolds.
2 Samuel 7:8This verse echoes the language of God's selection of David, calling him from his role as shepherd to be ruler, highlighting the divine initiative in his elevation.
Amos 7:14-15The prophet Amos, also called from a shepherd's life, illustrates the pattern of God choosing humble individuals from common occupations to fulfill significant prophetic and leadership roles.
Matthew 4:18-22This New Testament passage shows Jesus calling fishermen from their livelihood to become disciples, demonstrating a similar principle of God choosing ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
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 focus on the dramatic rise of a shepherd boy to kingship, but what's easily missed is that God’s choice of David wasn't just about elevating an individual; it was about establishing a lasting pattern for leadership. He took David from the sheepfolds to "feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance," highlighting that true leadership, from God's perspective, is defined by humble care and diligent service to God's people, not by power or prestige.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's mighty acts. After detailing their failures and God's judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh and the ark's capture, the focus shifts to God's gracious choice of David as king. This marks a turning point, emphasizing God's faithfulness in establishing a lasting dynasty and dwelling place in Zion, ultimately through David, His chosen servant.
This psalm recounts Israel's history, highlighting their repeated unfaithfulness despite God's mighty acts. After detailing their failures and God's judgments, including the rejection of Shiloh and the ark's capture, the focus shifts to God's gracious choice of David as king. This marks a turning point, emphasizing God's faithfulness in establishing a lasting dynasty and dwelling place in Zion, ultimately through David, His chosen servant.
"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…" — It's easy to focus on the dramatic rise of a shepherd boy to kingship, but what's easily missed is that God’s choice of David wasn't just about elevating an individual; it was about establishing a la…
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Last reviewed October 2026
