Psalms 78:70
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:70
70 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, fellowship, sacrifice. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-72: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 78:70
70 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:
Analysis
He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds. The psalm's climax: God's choice of David. Chose (vayyivchar, וַיִּבְחַר) repeats the election language from v. 68—God chose Judah, Zion, and now David. His servant (avdo, עַבְדּוֹ) is David's supreme title, indicating covenant relationship. Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5) and prophets bore this title, but David uniquely as king-servant foreshadows Jesus, the Servant-King (Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 12:18).
Took him from the sheepfolds (lakach mimikhl'ot tson, לָקַח מִמִּכְלְאֹת צֹאן) emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and David's humble origin. Shepherding was lowly work; David was youngest, forgotten when Samuel came seeking Israel's king (1 Samuel 16:11). God bypasses the prominent to choose the overlooked, demonstrating that election depends on divine grace, not human qualification.
The sheepfold imagery also connects David's vocation—he shepherded literal sheep (1 Samuel 17:34-35), preparing him to shepherd God's flock Israel (v. 71). Jesus, David's greater son, is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Historical Context
David's anointing (c. 1025 BC) while still a shepherd boy shocked everyone—he wasn't even summoned initially (1 Samuel 16:1-13). God saw David's heart while others assessed outward appearance. David's rise from shepherd to king parallels Joseph's rise from prisoner to prime minister—God exalts the humble.
Reflection
- How does David's selection from the sheepfolds encourage believers who feel insignificant or overlooked?
- What does God consistently choosing unlikely candidates (shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors) reveal about His values versus human values?
- In what ways did David's shepherding experience prepare him for kingship, and how does God use your current circumstances to prepare you?
Cross-References
- References David: Acts 13:22