Psalms 78:71
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
Original Language Analysis
מֵאַחַ֥ר
From following
H310
מֵאַחַ֥ר
From following
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
הֱ֫בִיא֥וֹ
he brought
H935
הֱ֫בִיא֥וֹ
he brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לִ֭רְעוֹת
him to feed
H7462
לִ֭רְעוֹת
him to feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
4 of 8
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
עַמּ֑וֹ
his people
H5971
עַמּ֑וֹ
his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
2 Samuel 5:2Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Psalms 28:9Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.1 Chronicles 11:2And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.Genesis 33:13And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.1 Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Historical Context
David's reign (1010-970 BC) brought Israel to its zenith—military victories, national unity, preparation for temple worship. His shepherd-heart showed in his prayer life (Psalms) and his leadership combining justice with mercy. Though imperfect, David foreshadowed Christ perfectly fulfilling the shepherd-king role.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing leadership as shepherding rather than dominating change your approach to influence and authority?
- What specific 'ewes great with young'—vulnerable, needy people—has God called you to tend with special care?
- In what ways does Jesus fulfill the Davidic shepherd-king role perfectly, and how should this affect your trust in His leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. This concluding verse parallels v. 52—as God guided Israel like a flock, now David guides Israel as shepherd-king. From following the ewes great with young (me'achar alot hevi'o, מֵאַחַר עָלוֹת הֵבִיאוֹ) details David's shepherd experience—caring for nursing ewes requires special tenderness and skill, qualities needed for leading God's vulnerable people.
To feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance uses shepherding vocabulary for kingship. Feed (lir'ot, לִרְעוֹת) means shepherd, pasture, tend. Jacob his people and Israel his inheritance emphasize that David shepherds God's possession, not his own. The king is under-shepherd; Yahweh remains the true Shepherd-King. David's role anticipates Jesus, who feeds God's flock with true bread (John 6:35).
The psalm's conclusion answers its opening concerns—despite Israel's faithlessness, God preserves a remnant through His sovereign choice of Davidic kingship centered in Zion. This hope sustains Israel through exile and ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus, David's heir who shepherds God's people eternally.