King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:70 Mean?

Psalms 78:70 in the King James Version says “He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds :” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 78:70 · KJV

Context

68

But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

69

And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever. established: Heb. founded

70

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

71

From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. following: Heb. after

72

So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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).

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does David's selection from the sheepfolds encourage believers who feel insignificant or overlooked?
  2. What does God consistently choosing unlikely candidates (shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors) reveal about His values versus human values?
  3. In what ways did David's shepherding experience prepare him for kingship, and how does God use your current circumstances to prepare you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַ֭יִּבְחַר1 of 6

“He chose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בְּדָוִ֣ד2 of 6

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדּ֑וֹ3 of 6

“also his servant”

H5650

a servant

וַ֝יִּקָּחֵ֗הוּ4 of 6

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִֽמִּכְלְאֹ֥ת5 of 6

“him from the sheepfolds”

H4356

a pen (for flocks)

צֹֽאן׃6 of 6
H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 78:70 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 78:70 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 16:11-12Acts 13:222 Samuel 6:212 Samuel 3:181 Samuel 17:15-541 Kings 19:19-20

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