New International Version He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; New Living Translation He chose his servant David, calling him from the sheep pens. English Standard Version He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds; Berean Standard Bible He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; Berean Literal Bible And He chose David His servant, and He took him from the folds of his flock; King James Bible He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: New King James Version He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds; New American Standard Bible He also chose His servant David And took him from the sheepfolds; NASB 1995 He also chose David His servant And took him from the sheepfolds; NASB 1977 He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds; Legacy Standard Bible He also chose David His servant And took him from the sheepfolds; Amplified Bible He also chose David His servant And took him from the sheepfolds; Berean Annotated Bible He chose David (beloved) His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; Christian Standard Bible He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; Holman Christian Standard Bible He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; American Standard Version He chose David also his servant, And took him from the sheepfolds: Contemporary English Version The Lord God chose David to be his servant and took him from tending sheep English Revised Version He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: GOD'S WORD® Translation He chose his servant David. He took him from the sheep pens. Good News Translation He chose his servant David; he took him from the pastures, International Standard Version Then he chose his servant David, whom he took from the sheepfold. NET Bible He chose David, his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds. New Heart English Bible He also chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; Webster's Bible Translation He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheep-folds: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; World English Bible He also chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He fixes on His servant David, "" And takes him from the folds of a flock, Berean Literal Bible And He chose David His servant, and He took him from the folds of his flock; Young's Literal Translation And He fixeth on David His servant, And taketh him from the folds of a flock, Smith's Literal Translation And he will choose in David his servant, and he will take him from the folds of sheep. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he chose his servant David, and took him from the hocks of sheep: he brought him from following the ewes great with young, Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible He chose David his servant, took him from the sheepfolds. New Revised Standard Version He chose his servant David, and took him from the sheepfolds; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He has chosen David his Servant and led him from a flock of sheep OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He chose David also His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds; Brenton Septuagint Translation He chose David also his servant, and took him up from the flocks of sheep. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context I Will Open My Mouth in Parables…69He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth He has established forever. 70He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; 71from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.… Cross References He chose David His servant Psalm 89:20 I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. Acts 13:22 After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’ 1 Samuel 16:12-13 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. and took him from the sheepfolds; 2 Samuel 7:8 Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. 1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” 1 Samuel 17:34-35 David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. 1 Chronicles 17:7 Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. 1 Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 16:1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” 2 Samuel 5:2 Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” 1 Chronicles 11:2 Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” 1 Samuel 16:19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 1 Samuel 17:15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem. 2 Samuel 23:1 These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: 1 Kings 8:16 ‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ 1 Chronicles 28:4 Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel. Treasury of Scripture He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: chose Psalm 89:19,20 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people… 1 Samuel 16:11,12 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither… 2 Samuel 3:18 Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. and took Exodus 3:1,10 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb… 1 Samuel 17:15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem. 2 Samuel 7:8 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: Jump to Previous Chose David Fixeth Flock Flocks Folds Pens Servant Sheep Sheepfolds Sheep-FoldsJump to Next Chose David Fixeth Flock Flocks Folds Pens Servant Sheep Sheepfolds Sheep-FoldsPsalm 78 1. An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God9. The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient 67. The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David. He chose David His servant God rejected Saul’s disobedient rule and chose David, Jesse’s youngest son, according to His own purpose. David’s selection showed that the Lord sees the heart rather than outward stature or human expectations (1 Samuel 16:7). Though David’s failures were serious, he was marked by faith, repentance, and devotion to God. His election established the Davidic line through which the promised Messiah would come (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Luke 1:32–33). Jesus, the Son of David, is God’s perfect Servant and eternal King. Psa 89:20 I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil… and took him from the sheepfolds; David was called from caring for his father’s sheep to shepherding the people of Israel. The work had prepared him to lead with vigilance, courage, protection, and care, qualities he displayed when defending the flock from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34–37). Israel needed a king who would serve under God’s authority rather than rule for himself. David’s humble beginning also points forward to Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). 2Sa 7:8 Now then, you are to tell My servant David… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe youngest son of Jesse, chosen by God to be the king of Israel. Known for his heart after God, David was a shepherd before being anointed as king. 2. Sheepfolds The place where David was tending sheep when God called him. It symbolizes humility and preparation for leadership. 3. God's Choice The divine selection of David as king, highlighting God's sovereignty and His ability to see beyond human appearances. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod often chooses unlikely candidates for His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and wisdom. Like David, we should be open to God's calling, regardless of our current status or position. Preparation in Humility David's time in the sheepfolds was a period of preparation. God often uses humble beginnings to prepare us for greater responsibilities. We should embrace our current roles as training grounds for future service. Servant Leadership David is described as "His servant," highlighting the importance of serving God and others. True leadership in God's kingdom is marked by a servant's heart. Faithfulness in Small Things David's faithfulness in tending sheep prepared him for leading a nation. We should be diligent and faithful in small tasks, trusting that God sees and rewards our efforts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 78:70?2. How does Psalm 78:70 highlight God's choice in leadership selection? 3. What qualities made David a suitable choice according to Psalm 78:70? 4. How can we apply God's selection criteria in our leadership roles today? 5. Connect Psalm 78:70 with 1 Samuel 16:7 on God's perspective in choosing leaders. 6. How does understanding God's choice in Psalm 78:70 influence your trust in His plans? 7. Why did God choose David over his brothers according to Psalm 78:70? 8. How does Psalm 78:70 reflect God's criteria for leadership? 9. What is the significance of God choosing a shepherd in Psalm 78:70? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 78? What Does Psalm 78:70 Mean He choseGod’s action begins this verse: “He chose.” • Sovereign initiative—David did not campaign for kingship; the Lord selected him (1 Samuel 16:1, 12). • Purposeful love—just as Israel was chosen “not because you were more numerous… but because the LORD loved you” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8), David’s election showcases grace, not merit. • Pattern for believers—Jesus reminds His disciples, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16), echoing the same divine prerogative. David The name grounds the choice in a real, historical person. • Young shepherd, eighth son, overlooked by family (1 Samuel 16:11). • Described by God as “a man after My own heart, who will carry out My will” (Acts 13:22). • Foreshadows the greater Son of David, Messiah (Luke 1:32-33), showing how one life fits God’s unfolding redemption. His servant Calling David “His servant” underscores relationship and role. • Servanthood before kingship—David’s identity is first defined by obedience, not authority (Psalm 89:20; 2 Samuel 7:8). • Servant-leader model fulfilled perfectly in Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). • Invitation to us—greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by service (Matthew 20:26-28). and took him The Lord’s hands-on involvement moves David from obscurity to prominence. • Divine relocation—He “took him from the pasture” (2 Samuel 7:8), orchestrating circumstances beyond human control. • Providential timing—David is anointed long before he wears a crown (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 5:4), teaching patience and trust. • Personal care—Psalm 18’s heading notes God “took hold of me” (v.16), the same intimate rescue at work here. from the sheepfolds The verse ends by highlighting David’s humble beginnings. • Lowly setting—watching “the few sheep” (1 Samuel 17:28) sharpened courage and faith (1 Samuel 17:34-37). • Shepherd imagery—prepares David to shepherd God’s people “with integrity of heart” (Psalm 78:72) and points to Jesus, “the good shepherd” (John 10:11). • Encouragement—God delights to lift the humble (1 Peter 5:6) and use ordinary places as training grounds for extraordinary callings. summary Psalm 78:70 reveals a deliberate, gracious selection: the Lord chose, named, and lifted His servant David out of humble sheepfolds to lead Israel. Every phrase highlights God’s sovereignty, David’s willing servanthood, and the enduring principle that the Almighty raises the lowly for His glory and the good of His people. Verse 70. - He chose David also his servant (see 1 Samuel 16:1, 12). And took him from the sheepfolds (comp. 1 Samuel 16:11, 19; 2 Samuel 7:8).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He choseוַ֭יִּבְחַר (way·yiḇ·ḥar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 977: To try, select David בְּדָוִ֣ד (bə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse His servant עַבְדּ֑וֹ (‘aḇ·dōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant and took him וַ֝יִּקָּחֵ֗הוּ (way·yiq·qā·ḥê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take from the sheepfolds; מִֽמִּכְלְאֹ֥ת (mim·miḵ·lə·’ōṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 4356: An enclosure, fold Additonal Resources Psalm 78:70 Blue Letter BiblePsalm 78:70 Bible Gateway Psalm 78:70 Bible.com Psalm 78:70 NIV |
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