Psalms 78:70

KJV

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

KJV (with Strong's)

He chose {H977}{H8799)} David {H1732} also his servant {H5650}, and took {H3947}{H8799)} him from the sheepfolds {H4356}{H6629}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He chose David to be his servant, taking him from the sheep-yards;

Berean Standard Bible

He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds;

American Standard Version

He chose David also his servant, And took him from the sheepfolds:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 78:70 powerfully encapsulates God's sovereign and deliberate selection of David, elevating him from the unassuming role of a shepherd to the esteemed position of His chosen servant and future king of Israel. This verse highlights a profound biblical theme: God's often unexpected choice of the humble and overlooked to accomplish His grand redemptive purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over human history and leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, functioning as a didactic poem that recounts Israel's history from the Exodus to the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. The psalmist, Asaph, uses this narrative to instruct future generations about God's steadfast faithfulness despite Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry. Leading up to verse 70, the psalm details God's rejection of the northern tribes (specifically Ephraim and the sanctuary at Shiloh) due to their unfaithfulness, as described in [Psalm 78:67-68](/psalms/78-67 "Psalm 78:67-68 - God Rejects Ephraim and Chooses Judah"). This rejection sets the stage for God's new covenantal focus on Judah and Mount Zion as His chosen dwelling place. Verse 70 then transitions seamlessly to the specific instrument of this new era: David, establishing the foundation for the Davidic covenant and the enduring lineage of kingship. The subsequent verses, [Psalm 78:71-72](/psalms/78-71 "Psalm 78:71-72 - David's Shepherd-King Role"), further elaborate on David's calling and his faithful leadership as a shepherd of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, shepherding was a common, often solitary, and humble occupation. Shepherds were responsible for protecting their flocks from predators and guiding them to pasture and water, tasks that demanded courage, vigilance, and compassion. David, the youngest son of Jesse, was found in this very role when the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint Israel's next king, as narrated in [1 Samuel 16](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - Samuel Anoints David"). This was a significant departure from the typical expectations of a king, who might be chosen from a prominent family, a warrior class, or someone of imposing stature. David's origins in the "sheepfolds" of Bethlehem underscore God's counter-cultural method of selection, often choosing the weak or overlooked to shame the strong, a theme echoed throughout biblical history. This choice also paved the way for the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and the construction of the Temple, centralizing Israelite worship and governance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 78 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Election and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that David's ascent to power was not a matter of human ambition or political maneuvering, but solely the result of God's deliberate and purposeful choice. This underscores God's ultimate control over history and His active involvement in raising leaders. Secondly, the theme of **Humility and Unexpected Origins** is prominent; God's choice of a lowly shepherd from the "sheepfolds" illustrates His consistent pattern of elevating the humble and overlooked, demonstrating that His criteria for leadership differ vastly from human standards. This principle is vividly portrayed in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak"), where God chooses the "foolish" and "weak" things of the world to confound the wise. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation for Leadership**. The skills and character developed in the solitude and challenges of the sheepfolds—courage, compassion, responsibility, and dependence on God—were precisely those needed for David to "shepherd" God's people, Israel, with integrity of heart and skillful hands, as explicitly stated in [Psalm 78:72](/psalms/78-72 "Psalm 78:72 - David's Skillful Leadership").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chose (בָּחַר, _bachar'_):** This Hebrew verb signifies a deliberate, active, and purposeful selection. It implies a divine initiative and often carries covenantal overtones, indicating that the chosen individual or group is set apart for a special purpose or relationship with God. In David's case, it emphasizes that his kingship was not a human achievement but a divine appointment, rooted in God's sovereign will and eternal plan.
* **servant (עֶבֶד, _'eved'_):** When applied to figures like David, Moses, or the prophets, this term denotes a position of honor, intimacy, and profound devotion to God. It signifies one who is entirely dedicated to fulfilling God's will and acting on His behalf. David's identity as God's "servant" highlights his loyalty, obedience, and the divine authority vested in him, distinguishing him from mere political rulers.
* **sheepfolds (מִמִּכְלָאֹת הַצֹּאן, _mimikla'ot hattson'_):** This phrase literally means "from the enclosures of the flock." It vividly paints a picture of David's humble, pastoral beginnings. The "sheepfolds" represent a place of obscurity, hard work, and low social status, emphasizing the dramatic contrast with the royal palace and throne to which God elevated him. This detail underscores God's ability to raise individuals from any walk of life to fulfill His purposes, as also noted in [2 Samuel 7:8](/2_samuel/7-8 "2 Samuel 7:8 - God Took David from the Sheepfolds").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He chose David also his servant":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's sovereign initiative ("He chose"). The subject is God, underscoring His ultimate authority and active involvement in human affairs. David is identified as "His servant," a title that bestows honor and signifies a special relationship of devotion and obedience to the divine will. This choice is not arbitrary but purposeful, setting David apart for a unique role in God's redemptive plan for Israel.
* **"and took him from the sheepfolds":** This second clause highlights the dramatic nature of God's selection. The phrase "took him" implies a divine intervention, a physical and vocational relocation from one sphere to another. "From the sheepfolds" emphasizes David's humble, ordinary origins as a shepherd, a stark contrast to the royal destiny awaiting him. This detail serves to magnify God's power and wisdom, demonstrating His ability to elevate the lowly and use unexpected individuals for His grand designs, rather than relying on human qualifications or social standing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, juxtaposing David's humble origins in the "sheepfolds" with his elevated status as God's "chosen servant." This highlights the magnitude of God's sovereign intervention and His unconventional methods. **Metonymy** is also at play, where "sheepfolds" stands in for David's entire humble, pastoral background and the qualities he developed there. Furthermore, the phrase "He chose... and took him" showcases **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions of selection and physical relocation to God, making His active involvement in David's life tangible and relatable to the reader. The entire verse functions as a concise **Narrative Summary**, encapsulating the pivotal moment of David's divine calling that shifts the course of Israelite history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's consistent pattern of divine election and His preference for the humble. It teaches us that God's choices are not based on human merit, social status, or outward appearance, but on His sovereign will and His assessment of the heart. David, the youngest and seemingly least significant of Jesse's sons, was chosen by God to lead His people, demonstrating that God often works through the unexpected and the overlooked to accomplish His greatest purposes. This principle offers immense encouragement, reminding us that our background or current circumstances do not limit God's ability to call and use us for His glory. It also underscores the theme of divine preparation: the skills David honed in the sheepfolds—courage, compassion, and leadership—were essential for his future role as king, showing that God often uses our present, seemingly mundane tasks as training grounds for future responsibilities.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")
* [2 Samuel 7:8](/2_samuel/7-8 "2 Samuel 7:8 - God's Promise to David, Taken from the Sheepfolds")
* [Amos 7:14-15](/amos/7-14 "Amos 7:14-15 - Amos, a Shepherd Called by God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:70 offers a powerful lens through which to view our own lives and God's work within them. It challenges us to reconsider our definitions of "qualification" and "significance," reminding us that God's criteria are fundamentally different from the world's. Our current circumstances, however humble or unseen, may be precisely where God is preparing us for future callings. This verse encourages us to embrace humility, faithfully steward the responsibilities we have now, and trust that God sees our hearts and our faithfulness in the small things. It assures us that God's hand is sovereignly at work, orchestrating our paths and equipping us for His purposes, often in ways we least expect. We are called to be attentive to His leading, knowing that He can take anyone from any "sheepfold" and use them mightily for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "sheepfolds" of your life might God be preparing you for a greater purpose?**
* **How does David's story challenge your preconceived notions about who God chooses to use?**
* **What qualities do you think David developed as a shepherd that were essential for his kingship, and how can you cultivate similar qualities in your current sphere of influence?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God's sovereign plan for your life, even when your circumstances seem insignificant?**

### FAQ
**Why is David's humble background as a shepherd emphasized so strongly in this verse and throughout the Bible?**

Answer: David's humble background is emphasized to highlight God's sovereign choice and to underscore that His selection is not based on human merit, social status, or outward appearance, but solely on His divine will and His assessment of the heart. As [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart") states, "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." By choosing a shepherd from the "sheepfolds," God demonstrates His power to elevate the lowly and use the unexpected to accomplish His grand purposes, ensuring that all glory redounds to Him, not to human achievement. This also sets a precedent for God's pattern of calling individuals like Amos, a herdsman and dresser of sycamore figs, to prophetic ministry ([Amos 7:14-15](/amos/7-14 "Amos 7:14-15 - Amos, a Shepherd Called by God")), reinforcing that divine calling transcends social standing.

**What does the title "servant" imply when applied to David by God?**

Answer: When God refers to David as "His servant," it is a title of immense honor and significance, far beyond mere servitude. It implies a deep, covenantal relationship and a special divine appointment. A "servant" of the Lord, in this biblical context, is someone who is devoted to God's will, acts on His behalf, and is entrusted with significant responsibilities in God's kingdom. It signifies loyalty, obedience, and a unique intimacy with the Almighty. This title highlights David's role as God's chosen instrument to lead Israel, establish the monarchy, and foreshadow the ultimate "Servant" of God, the Messiah. It underscores that David's authority and success were derived from his submission to and partnership with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:70, in its declaration of God choosing David from the sheepfolds, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Shepherd-King, Jesus Christ. Just as David was chosen from humble origins in Bethlehem, so too was Jesus born in that same humble town, not in a palace, but in a manger, as recounted in [Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus Born in a Manger"). Jesus, the Son of God, willingly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself")), demonstrating a humility that far surpasses David's. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")), fulfilling and perfecting David's role as the shepherd of God's people ([Psalm 78:72](/psalms/78-72 "Psalm 78:72 - David's Skillful Leadership")). David's anointing as king from a place of obscurity points to Jesus' divine election and coronation as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Thus, David's story in Psalms 78:70 is a poignant type, pointing to the greater reality of God's ultimate Servant-King, Jesus, who came from humble beginnings to accomplish the greatest act of salvation for His flock.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 16:11

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all [thy] children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

Acts 13:22

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

2 Samuel 7:8

Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:

1 Kings 19:19

¶ So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who [was] plowing [with] twelve yoke [of oxen] before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

1 Kings 19:20

And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and [then] I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

Psalms 89:19

¶ Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon [one that is] mighty; I have exalted [one] chosen out of the people.