Psalms 78:71 – “From tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 78:71 captures the moment when God chose David, a shepherd, to lead the people of Israel. David was not only taken from a humble role as a literal shepherd but was also called to be a spiritual shepherd for the nation. This verse highlights how God sees value in humble beginnings and how He calls people to greater responsibilities. God appointed David to care for Israel, His “inheritance,” meaning that Israel was a people uniquely chosen and treasured by God. This verse reflects God’s love for His people and His desire to place them under the care of someone who genuinely understood the heart of a shepherd.
Historical Context
David’s rise to kingship is one of the best-known stories in the Bible. He started as a shepherd in his father’s fields, looking after sheep, a job often reserved for the youngest or least prestigious family members. Despite his humble beginnings, God saw in David a heart that could be trusted to lead His people. When Saul, Israel’s first king, failed to obey God’s commands, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint David as the next king. David’s experience as a shepherd prepared him for this role, as he learned to protect, guide, and nurture his flock. These qualities made him a fitting choice to lead Israel as a king who genuinely cared for his people.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates that God often calls people from humble places to do significant things for His kingdom. David’s role as a shepherd prepared him to understand what it means to lead, protect, and care for others. God’s decision to take David from the fields to the throne shows that He values character and faithfulness over worldly qualifications or appearances. God looks for a heart that is willing to serve and learn, knowing that such a heart can be shaped into effective leadership. This verse also underscores that God views His people as His “inheritance,” meaning they are precious to Him, and He desires leaders who will care for them with integrity and compassion.
Literary Analysis
The psalmist’s phrasing—“from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people”—draws a powerful connection between David’s past and future roles. By using the term “shepherd” for both David’s original job and his new role as king, the psalmist emphasizes continuity in David’s calling. The language here suggests that God’s plan was intentional and that He saw David’s early work as preparation for his greater responsibility. The term “inheritance” reinforces the idea that Israel belongs to God in a special way, highlighting the honor and responsibility of being chosen to lead them.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Samuel 16:11-12 – “There is still the youngest… he is tending the sheep.” God instructs Samuel to anoint David from among his brothers, showing His choice of David from a humble place.
- 2 Samuel 5:2 – “The Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’” This verse reiterates God’s choice of David as a shepherd and ruler for Israel.
- Ezekiel 34:23 – “I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them.” This prophecy points to the importance of shepherd-like leadership for God’s people.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 78:71 serves as a reminder that God values humility, integrity, and a heart willing to serve. This verse encourages us to recognize that our current roles, however small they may seem, can be preparation for future purposes in God’s kingdom. David’s life teaches us that God can use ordinary experiences to shape us for extraordinary callings. This verse calls us to be faithful in the little things, knowing that God sees our efforts and may be preparing us for greater responsibilities. It’s a reminder to see every role and season as meaningful, trusting that God uses all experiences to shape us for His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 78:71 reflects God’s love for His people by choosing a leader who would genuinely care for them. God didn’t select David for his power or influence; instead, He chose him for his heart as a shepherd. This shows that God’s love for His people includes His desire to provide them with compassionate and faithful leadership. By calling David to shepherd His people, God demonstrated His commitment to their well-being, choosing someone who would lead with a caring heart. God’s choice of David underscores His love as a guiding and protective force, seeking to care for His people through leaders who reflect His own heart.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
David’s role as a shepherd of Israel points forward to Jesus, who is often called the “Good Shepherd.” Jesus came from humble beginnings, like David, and demonstrated the ultimate form of shepherding by laying down His life for His people. In John 10:11, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus fulfills the role that David foreshadowed, caring for God’s people in a deep and sacrificial way. Where David was called to lead Israel, Jesus came to lead all of humanity into a relationship with God, offering salvation and eternal life. Jesus, the descendant of David, is the ultimate Shepherd who guides, protects, and redeems His people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does David’s story encourage you to see purpose in your current role, even if it feels small?
- What qualities of a “shepherd” leader do you think are important for serving God and others?
- How does understanding that God’s people are His “inheritance” influence the way you view your role in the community?
- In what ways does Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, bring you comfort and guidance in your life?
- How can you remain faithful in the season you’re in, trusting that God may be preparing you for something greater?
Psalm 78:71 reminds us that God calls people from humble places and prepares them for meaningful work in His kingdom. David’s journey from shepherd to king encourages us to be faithful in every role, knowing that God sees potential and purpose in each of us. Through Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd, we see God’s love and commitment to guide and protect His people. This verse calls us to embrace our current season with faith, trusting in God’s loving plan to shape us for His purposes.