He
also chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob, his people, and Israel, his inheritance.
Psalm 78:70-71
Then the Lord awakened as one out of sleep,
like a mighty man who shouts by reason of wine.
He struck his adversaries backward.
He put them to a perpetual reproach.
Moreover he rejected the tent of Joseph,
and didn’t choose the tribe of Ephraim,
But chose the tribe of Judah,
Mount Zion which he loved.
He built his sanctuary like the heights,
like the earth which he has established forever.
Psalm 78 [70.] He also chose David his servant,
and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the ewes that have their young,
he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob, his people,
and Israel, his inheritance.
So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart,
and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
Meaning:
These verses from Psalm 78 reflect on God’s sovereign choice of David as king of Israel. They recount how God, in His wisdom and providence, selected David, a humble shepherd, to lead His people. This passage is rich in symbolism and significance, highlighting themes of divine election, leadership, and the transformative power of God’s calling.
- A Psalm of Reflection
Psalm 78 is a historical psalm, recounting the history of Israel from their time in Egypt to the reign of David. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the repeated failures of Israel to trust and obey Him. The psalmist, Asaph, uses this history to teach the next generation about the importance of faithfulness to God, urging them not to repeat the mistakes of their ancestors.
God’s Faithfulness: Throughout the psalm, Asaph emphasizes God’s unwavering faithfulness despite Israel’s persistent rebellion. He recounts the miracles God performed, the deliverance He provided, and the guidance He offered through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Yet, the people often forgot God’s goodness, turning to idolatry and disobedience.
Transition to David: The verses leading up to Psalm 78:70-71 describe the failures of Israel’s previous leaders and the consequences of their disobedience. In contrast to these unfaithful leaders, God’s choice of David represents a new beginning for Israel. David is portrayed as a leader after God’s own heart, chosen not because of his status or strength, but because of his character and faithfulness.
- God’s Choice of David
“He also chose David his servant”: The idea of divine election is central to these verses. David’s selection as king was not based on human criteria but on God’s sovereign will. This theme of God choosing unlikely individuals for His purposes runs throughout the Bible, emphasizing that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
David the Shepherd: David’s humble beginnings as a shepherd are significant. Shepherding was not a glamorous job; it was often seen as lowly and menial. Yet, it was in this humble occupation that David developed the qualities that would later make him a great king—patience, courage, attentiveness, and a deep sense of responsibility for those under his care. God saw in David a servant’s heart, which is why He chose him to lead Israel.
Servant Leadership: The phrase “David his servant” underscores the concept of servant leadership, which is central to biblical leadership. David, though chosen to be king, was first and foremost a servant of God. His kingship was to be characterized not by domination but by service to God and His people. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching on leadership in the New Testament, where He said, “whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
- From Shepherd to King
“And took him from the sheepfolds; from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob, his people”: These verses beautifully describe the transition in David’s life—from shepherding literal sheep to shepherding the people of Israel. The imagery of the shepherd is rich with meaning in the Bible, symbolizing care, guidance, protection, and provision.
Shepherd of Israel: By choosing a shepherd to be king, God was making a profound statement about the kind of leadership He values. A shepherd knows his sheep intimately, cares for them, protects them from danger, and leads them to green pastures. In the same way, David was to lead Israel with a shepherd’s heart, caring for the people, protecting them from their enemies, and guiding them in the ways of God. This shepherding role foreshadows the ultimate Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who would lay down His life for His sheep (John 10:11).
God’s Transformative Call: David’s journey from the fields to the throne illustrates the transformative power of God’s call. God takes ordinary people from ordinary circumstances and uses them for extraordinary purposes. This transformation is not based on human merit but on God’s grace and purpose. David’s rise from shepherd to king is a reminder that God sees potential where others might see insignificance. He equips those He calls, giving them the strength, wisdom, and courage they need to fulfill their calling.
- The Significance of David’s Leadership
David’s leadership marked a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. Under his reign, Israel experienced unity, military victories, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation. However, David’s significance goes beyond his military and political achievements. He was also a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), a leader who sought to align his life and reign with God’s will.
A Covenant King: David was not only chosen by God but was also the recipient of a divine covenant. In 2 Samuel 7, God promises David that his dynasty would endure forever, a promise ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is referred to as the Son of David. This covenant underscored the importance of David’s reign and its lasting impact on the salvation history of God’s people.
A Model of Repentance: Though David was a man after God’s own heart, he was not without sin. His moral failures, particularly in the case of Bathsheba, are well-documented. Yet, what sets David apart is his deep repentance and his sincere desire to return to God. Psalm 51, a psalm of repentance, captures David’s contrite heart and his understanding of God’s mercy. David’s life teaches us that even in our failures, God’s grace is available, and sincere repentance can restore our relationship with Him.
Application for Us Today
Psalm 78:70-71 offers timeless lessons for our own lives:
God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives: Just as God chose David for a specific purpose, He has a plan and purpose for each of us. Our backgrounds or current circumstances do not limit what God can do through us. We should remain open to His call, trusting that He sees beyond our present situation and knows how to use us for His glory.
Servant Leadership: Whether we lead in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are called to lead with a servant’s heart, following the example of David and, ultimately, Jesus. True leadership is not about power or status but about serving others and leading them toward God’s purposes.
Embrace the Journey: David’s life reminds us that the journey from where we are to where God is leading us may be unexpected and challenging. However, every step is part of God’s preparation for what He has in store. We can trust that He is working in us and through us, even in the humble or difficult places.
Conclusion: Psalm 78:70-71 highlights the remarkable journey of David from a shepherd in the fields to the shepherd of God’s people, Israel. These verses remind us of God’s sovereign choice, the importance of servant leadership, and the transformative power of God’s call. David’s story is a testament to God’s ability to use the humble and faithful for great purposes. As we reflect on these verses, may we be encouraged to trust in God’s plans for our lives, embrace the call to serve others, and remain faithful to His leading, knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible