Meaning of Psalms 78:70

This verse from Psalm 78:70 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, highlighting God's sovereign choice of David, not from a position of power or prestige, but from the humble occupation of a shepherd. The psalmist is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, tracing their lineage and leadership from the Exodus to the establishment of the monarchy under David. This specific declaration emphasizes that God’s selection was not based on human merit or worldly status, but on His own divine purpose and will, setting a precedent for how He often elevates the unassuming to fulfill His grand designs.

Context and Background

Psalm 78 is a didactic psalm, meaning it is intended to teach and instruct. It recounts the history of God's dealings with Israel, from their deliverance from Egypt to the establishment of David as king. The psalm contrasts the faithfulness of God with the repeated unfaithfulness of the Israelites, who often forgot God's mighty acts and disobeyed His commands. Verses leading up to 70 describe Israel's rejection of God and their subsequent plight, leading to a need for a new, righteous leader. God's choice of David, therefore, is presented as a direct intervention to restore and shepherd His people. The imagery of sheep pens evokes a life of humility, responsibility, and vulnerability, far removed from the trappings of royalty.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Election: The central message is God's active and intentional choice. He "chose" David, indicating a deliberate selection independent of human recommendation or expectation. This underscores the theme that God's plans are not dictated by human standards.
• Humility and Elevation: God's choice of a shepherd boy demonstrates that He values humility and character over outward appearances or social standing. The shepherd’s skills in protecting, guiding, and nurturing sheep are seen as foreshadowing David's future role as the shepherd-king of Israel.
• Faithfulness in Spite of Unfaithfulness: The psalm, as a whole, laments Israel's history of disobedience. David's selection is an act of God's enduring faithfulness, providing a leader who would, in many ways, embody the leadership Israel had lacked.
• Preparation for Leadership: David’s time as a shepherd was not wasted; it was a period of preparation. He learned patience, courage, diligence, and care—qualities essential for leading a nation.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the principle that God often uses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His greatest purposes. For believers today, it offers encouragement: our current circumstances or perceived limitations do not disqualify us from God's service. God can and does elevate those who are faithful in small things, those who possess integrity and a servant's heart. It also reminds us that God's calling is not always glamorous or immediately apparent; it often begins in the quiet, unheralded moments of our lives.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

David's story is foundational to the messianic narrative. He is the ancestor from whom Jesus Christ, the ultimate Shepherd-King, would eventually descend. Jesus himself frequently used shepherd imagery, referring to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and His followers as His sheep. This verse, therefore, acts as an early foreshadowing of Christ's perfect leadership and His sacrificial love for His flock. It establishes a pattern of God choosing humble origins for His most significant representatives.

Analogies

One analogy for God choosing David from the sheep pens is a skilled craftsman selecting a rough, unpolished stone. The stone's inherent potential and the craftsman's expertise are what matter, not its current appearance. The craftsman will refine and shape it into something beautiful and functional. Similarly, God saw the potential in David, the shepherd boy, and shaped him into a king who would lead His people. Another analogy is a conductor choosing a raw, untrained musician with a natural talent for a specific instrument. The conductor recognizes the latent ability and mentors the musician, bringing forth their potential to contribute to a grand symphony.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Samuel 16:7: "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" This verse directly supports Psalm 78:70 by explaining God's criteria for choosing David—his heart—rather than his outward status.
• Jeremiah 23:4: "I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any be missing,' declares the Lord." This prophecy, looking forward to a future restoration, echoes the role of David as a shepherd-king and points to the ultimate Shepherd, Christ.
• John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jesus' self-identification as the Good Shepherd directly connects to the imagery of David, the shepherd-king, and signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's shepherding of His people through Christ.