What does Psalms 78:70 mean?
"He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:" - Psalms 78:70

Psalms-78:70 "He chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds."
This verse from the book of Psalms is a reflection on the choosing of David as the king of Israel by God. It reflects on the divine intervention and wisdom in the selection of a leader for His people. The choice of David as a king holds significant theological and historical importance in the Bible and has been widely interpreted and discussed by scholars and theologians.
The verse begins with acknowledging God's choice, emphasizing that it was God who selected David as his servant. This highlights the divine election process and emphasizes the importance of God's hand in the leadership of His people. The use of the term "servant" here reflects David's position as a servant of God, chosen and anointed to fulfill a specific role and purpose.
The second part of the verse, "and took him from the sheepfolds," emphasizes David's humble origins as a shepherd. This phrase highlights the contrast between David's lowly beginnings and his eventual rise to become the king of Israel. It emphasizes the idea of God's ability to choose and elevate individuals from unexpected and humble backgrounds to fulfill His divine purpose.
One of the central themes of this verse is the concept of divine election and God’s sovereignty in choosing leaders. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as actively choosing and anointing leaders according to His divine plan. David’s selection is an example of this divine election in action. This theme also emphasizes the importance of being obedient and faithful to God, as David was chosen because of his devotion and loyalty to God.
The verse also highlights the importance of humility and the value of a servant’s heart. David's background as a shepherd serves as a reminder that God often chooses individuals who are humble and willing to serve. This idea is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and servant leadership.
The historical context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. David was the second king of Israel and is considered one of the most important figures in the Bible. He is known for his bravery, leadership, and devotion to God. His reign is often referred to as a “golden age” in Israel's history, and he is seen as a model of a righteous and just king. The verse in Psalms reflects on the beginning of David's journey from a simple shepherd to becoming the king of Israel.
The symbolism of the sheepfold is also significant in this verse. In the Bible, the image of a shepherd and his sheep is often used to represent God’s relationship with His people. By choosing David from the sheepfolds, God is symbolically showing His care and guidance for His people. It also reflects the idea of God as the ultimate shepherd, guiding and protecting His flock.
In conclusion, Psalms 78:70 reflects on the divine choice of David as the king of Israel. It emphasizes the themes of divine election, humility, and servant leadership. The verse highlights the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty and His ability to raise up leaders according to His divine plan. It also serves as a reminder of the value of humility and loyalty in serving God. Overall, this verse holds deep theological and symbolic significance in the Bible and continues to be studied and interpreted by believers and scholars alike.
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Psalms 78:70 - "He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:"
"He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:" - Psalms 78:70
Psalms 119:70 - "Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law."
Psalms 78:8 - "And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God."
Psalms 70:3 - "Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha."
"And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer." - Psalms 78:35
"They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;" - Psalms 78:10
"Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble." - Psalms 78:33
Psalms 78:18 - "And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust."
Psalms 78:35 - "And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer."
Psalms 70:1 - "Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD."
Psalms 78:47 - "He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost."
Psalms 78:10 - "They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;"
Psalms 78:64 - "Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation."
Psalms 78:22 - "Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:"
"Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD." - Psalms 70:1
"He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts." - Psalms 78:48
"They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths," - Psalms 78:30
Psalms 78:61 - "And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand."
Psalms 78:67 - "Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim:"
"When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:" - Psalms 78:59
"And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness." - Psalms 78:17
Psalms 78:44 - "And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink."
Psalms 78:32 - "For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works."
Psalms 78:41 - "Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel."
Psalms 78:17 - "And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness."
Psalms 78:36 - "Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues."
Psalms 78:59 - "When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:"
Psalms 78:28 - "And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations."
Psalms 78:63 - "The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage."