Psalms 78:71-72
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 page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just say David was a shepherd; it highlights he was tending to the nursing or "giving suck" ewes. This specific care points to his training in gentleness, tenderness, and diligent watchfulness – the very qualities needed to lead and care for God's precious people, his inheritance.
This passage is the culmination of Psalm 78, a long historical review of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's persistent faithfulness. After recounting their repeated sins and God's judgments, the psalm shifts to God's redemptive actions, ultimately leading to the establishment of King David and his dynasty in Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights God's choice of David, contrasting his humble beginnings as a shepherd with his divine calling to lead God's people.
What does the tender care of sheep have to do with leading a nation? This verse hints at a profound connection.
This verse highlights David's transition from a shepherd to a leader. His shepherding wasn't just about watching sheep; it was a crucial training ground.
Learning Gentleness and Diligence
Why does the Psalmist emphasize that Jacob and Israel are God's 'people' and 'inheritance'? It's about divine ownership and purpose.
This verse isn't just about David becoming king; it's about God's deliberate choice and ownership.
Divine Selection and Responsibility
Understand the original words
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.
This verse highlights the humble beginnings of King David, emphasizing that God chose him from a simple shepherd's life to lead His people, mirroring the divine calling of leaders.
c. 1040 BC— this verse
David Called from Shepherding
David, known for his courage in protecting his father's flock, is chosen by God to become the future king of Israel.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
After a period of conflict and consolidation, David is established as the sole king over all Israel.
c. 1000 BC
Ark Brought to Jerusalem
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing it as the religious and political center of his kingdom.
c. 970 BC
Death of David
David's reign concludes, leaving behind a united kingdom and a legacy as Israel's greatest king.
This passage describes David's humble beginnings as a shepherd, directly preceding his anointing as king, mirroring the transition from tending sheep to leading God's people.
Isaiah 40:11This verse also uses the shepherd imagery, comparing God's gentle care for His people to a shepherd tenderly leading his flock, echoing the theme of David's shepherding skills being a prelude to his leadership.
John 10:11Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, drawing a parallel between David's care for his flock and Christ's ultimate shepherding of God's people.
Ezekiel 34:12-16This passage condemns the unfaithful shepherds (leaders) of Israel and promises that God Himself will seek and shepherd His flock, highlighting the importance of a true shepherd's care which David exemplified.
Matthew 4:18-22Here, Jesus calls fishermen to become 'fishers of men,' demonstrating a similar divine call from a humble occupation to a ministry of leading and caring for God's people, much like David's transition.
clarkePsalms 78:71: "From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance."
From following the ewes - Instances of this kind are not unfrequent in the ancient Greek and Roman history. Croesus said that Gypes, who was the first of his race, was a slave, and rose to sovereignty, succeeding his predecessor, of whose sheep he had been the pastor.
poolePsalms 78:71: "From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance."
Following the ewes great with young; by which employment he was inured to that care, and diligence, and self-denial which is necessary in a king or governor; and instructed to rule his people with all gentleness and tenderness.
The verse doesn't just say David was a shepherd; it highlights he was tending to the nursing or "giving suck" ewes. This specific care points to his training in gentleness, tenderness, and diligent watchfulness – the very qualities needed to lead and care for God's precious people, his inheritance.
This passage is the culmination of Psalm 78, a long historical review of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's persistent faithfulness. After recounting their repeated sins and God's judgments, the psalm shifts to God's redemptive actions, ultimately leading to the establishment of King David and his dynasty in Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights God's choice of David, contrasting his humble beginnings as a shepherd with his divine calling to lead God's people.
This passage is the culmination of Psalm 78, a long historical review of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's persistent faithfulness. After recounting their repeated sins and God's judgments, the psalm shifts to God's redemptive actions, ultimately leading to the establishment of King David and his dynasty in Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights God's choice of David, contrasting his humble beginnings as a shepherd with his divine calling to lead God's 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 78:71-72 is available in the Sola app.
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.
"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." — The verse doesn't just say David was a shepherd; it highlights he was tending to the nursing or "giving suck" ewes. This specific care points to his training in gentleness, tenderness, and dilige…
