Psalms 78:71 in the King James Version reads, "From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance." This verse is part of a larger passage that recounts the history of the people of Israel, emphasizing their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God despite His steadfast love and faithfulness towards them.

The verse begins with the phrase "From following the ewes great with young," which refers to the humble beginnings of David, the shepherd boy who would eventually become the king of Israel. David was tending to the sheep, specifically the ewes great with young, which signifies his hard work and dedication in caring for the animals under his charge. This imagery of a shepherd caring for his flock becomes a metaphor for the way God cares for His people, guiding and protecting them as a shepherd does with his sheep.

The verse goes on to say, "he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance." This highlights the purpose for which God called David from being a shepherd to becoming the king of Israel. God chose David to be a shepherd over His people, to lead and govern them with wisdom and compassion. The mention of Jacob and Israel emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant with His people, as David was to continue the legacy of leadership and caretaking that began with the patriarchs of Israel.

The verse is significant in the larger context of Psalm 78, which is a historical psalm that recounts the faithlessness of the Israelites and God's continued faithfulness towards them. The psalm begins by exhorting the people to listen and heed the lessons from their history, to not forget the works of God and to keep His commandments. It then proceeds to recount various instances of God's grace, mercy, and deliverance towards the people, juxtaposed with their rebelliousness, unbelief, and disobedience.

This verse, in particular, serves as a reminder of God's sovereign choice in selecting David, a humble shepherd, to be the leader and shepherd of His people. It underscores the concept of God's providential guidance and care for His people, as well as the importance of having a faithful and obedient leader to guide the nation in alignment with God's will.

The themes presented in this verse and the larger context of Psalm 78 include the faithfulness of God, the importance of remembering and learning from history, the consequences of disobedience, and the role of leadership in guiding the people towards God. The passage also highlights the concept of inheritance, as God's people are referred to as His "inheritance," signifying the special and cherished relationship that God has with them.

In terms of symbolism, the image of David as a shepherd and God as the ultimate Shepherd signifies the intimate and caring relationship between God and His people. The shepherd motif is prevalent throughout the Bible, with Jesus being referred to as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). This symbolizes the sacrificial love and devoted care that God has for His people, as well as the leadership and guidance that He provides.

Overall, Psalm 78:71 serves as a poignant reminder of God's providential care and sovereignty over His people, as well as the significance of faithful and obedient leadership in guiding the nation towards God's purposes. This verse speaks to the enduring themes of God's faithfulness, the importance of learning from history, and the symbolism of the shepherd as a representation of God's loving care and guidance.