Psalm 78:71
New International Version
from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.

New Living Translation
He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants— God’s own people, Israel.

English Standard Version
from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance.

Berean Standard Bible
from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.

King James Bible
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

New King James Version
From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.

New American Standard Bible
From the care of the ewes with nursing lambs He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.

NASB 1995
From the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.

NASB 1977
From the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.

Legacy Standard Bible
From following the nursing ewes He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.

Amplified Bible
From tending the ewes with nursing young He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.

Christian Standard Bible
he brought him from tending ewes to be shepherd over his people Jacob — over Israel, his inheritance.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He brought him from tending ewes to be shepherd over His people Jacob— over Israel, His inheritance.

American Standard Version
From following the ewes that have their young he brought him, To be the shepherd of Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

Contemporary English Version
and from caring for lambs. Then God made him the leader of Israel, his own nation.

English Revised Version
From following the ewes that give suck he brought him, to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He brought him from tending the ewes that had lambs so that David could be the shepherd of the people of Jacob, of Israel, the people who belonged to the LORD.

Good News Translation
where he looked after his flocks, and he made him king of Israel, the shepherd of the people of God.

International Standard Version
He brought him from birthing sheep to care for Jacob, his people, Israel, his possession.

Majority Standard Bible
from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.

NET Bible
He took him away from following the mother sheep, and made him the shepherd of Jacob, his people, and of Israel, his chosen nation.

New Heart English Bible
from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob his servant, and Israel his inheritance.

Webster's Bible Translation
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

World English Bible
from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob, his people, and Israel, his inheritance.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He has brought him in from behind suckling ones, "" To rule over Jacob His people, "" And over Israel His inheritance.

Young's Literal Translation
From behind suckling ones He hath brought him in, To rule over Jacob His people, And over Israel His inheritance.

Smith's Literal Translation
From those bringing up to care for Jacob his people and for Israel his inheritance.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To feed Jacob his servant, and Israel his inheritance.

Catholic Public Domain Version
in order to pasture Jacob his servant and Israel his inheritance.

New American Bible
From tending ewes God brought him, to shepherd Jacob, his people, Israel, his heritage.

New Revised Standard Version
from tending the nursing ewes he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel, his inheritance.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
From following the ewes that give suck, he brought him to feed Jacob his people and Israel his inheritance.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And from following nursing sheep to feed Jacob his people and Israel his inheritance.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
From following the ewes that give suck He brought him, To be shepherd over Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He took him from following the ewes great with young, to be the shepherd of Jacob his servant, and Israel his inheritance.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
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. 72So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 16:11-13
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.” / 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.

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 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.

Ezekiel 34:23
I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 37:24
My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes.

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.

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 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.’

Jeremiah 3:15
Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

Matthew 2:6
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’”

John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

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.’

Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,


Treasury of Scripture

From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

from following.

Genesis 33:13
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

brought

Psalm 75:6,7
For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south…

Psalm 113:7,8
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; …

1 Samuel 2:7,8
The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up…

feed

2 Samuel 5:2
Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:2
And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

Ezekiel 34:23,24
And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd…

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Care Ewes Feed Following Food Great Inheritance Israel Jacob Lambs Milk Ones Rule Sheep Shepherd Suck Suckling Tending Young
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Care Ewes Feed Following Food Great Inheritance Israel Jacob Lambs Milk Ones Rule Sheep Shepherd Suck Suckling Tending Young
Psalm 78
1. An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God
9. The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient
67. The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David.














from tending the ewes
This phrase highlights David's humble beginnings as a shepherd, a common occupation in ancient Israel. Shepherding was a vital part of the agrarian society, requiring diligence and care. David's experience with the ewes prepared him for leadership, teaching him responsibility and protection. This mirrors the biblical theme of God choosing the humble and lowly for great purposes, as seen in the lives of Moses and Gideon. The shepherd motif is significant throughout Scripture, symbolizing guidance and care, and is later used to describe Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).

He brought him
This indicates divine intervention and selection. God actively chose David, demonstrating His sovereign will in raising leaders. This act of bringing David from the fields to the throne underscores the biblical principle that God exalts the humble (1 Samuel 16:11-13). It also reflects the theme of God's providence and His ability to orchestrate events for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:41).

to be shepherd of His people Jacob
The term "shepherd" here is metaphorical, representing leadership and governance. David's role as king was to guide, protect, and nurture the nation of Israel, much like a shepherd with his flock. The reference to "His people Jacob" connects to the covenantal relationship God established with the patriarchs, emphasizing continuity and faithfulness. This shepherd imagery is prophetic of Christ, who is the ultimate Shepherd of God's people, fulfilling the promises made to Jacob (Micah 5:4).

of Israel His inheritance
Israel is described as God's inheritance, highlighting the special relationship between God and His chosen people. This concept of inheritance is rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, where God promised to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2). It signifies possession, care, and a lasting legacy. The idea of inheritance is also eschatological, pointing to the future fulfillment of God's promises through Christ, who secures an eternal inheritance for believers (Ephesians 1:11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The verse refers to David, who was taken from shepherding sheep to shepherding the people of Israel. David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his heart for God and his role as the second king of Israel.

2. Jacob
Represents the people of Israel, as Jacob's name was changed to Israel, and his descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God as His inheritance, whom David was appointed to lead as king.

4. Shepherding
The act of tending sheep, which symbolizes leadership and care. David's experience as a shepherd prepared him for his role as king.

5. God's Calling
The divine act of selecting and appointing David from a humble position to a significant leadership role over His people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereign Choice
God often chooses unlikely individuals for significant roles, emphasizing His sovereignty and wisdom. David's selection as king from a shepherd's life illustrates that God values the heart over outward appearances.

Preparation through Humble Beginnings
David's time as a shepherd was not wasted; it was a period of preparation for his future leadership. God uses our current circumstances to equip us for future responsibilities.

Leadership as Service
True leadership, as exemplified by David, involves serving and caring for those under one's charge. This reflects the heart of God, who is the ultimate Shepherd.

Faithfulness in Small Things
David's faithfulness in tending sheep prepared him for greater responsibilities. We are called to be faithful in our current tasks, trusting that God will use them for His purposes.

God's Inheritance
The people of Israel are described as God's inheritance, highlighting their value and the responsibility of leaders to care for them. Believers today are also God's inheritance, called to live in a way that honors Him.(71) Ewes great with young--So also in Isaiah 40:11; but properly, ewes with lambs. Literally, giving suck.

Verse 71. - From following the ewes great with young he brought him (comp. Isaiah 40:11). The Hebrew word translated "ewes great with young" really means "ewes that are giving suck." This is the portion of the flock which needs the tenderest care. To feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance (see 1 Chronicles 11:2). As Peter, James, and John were called from their occupation of fishers to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), so David was called from feeding sheep to feed God's people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
from tending
מֵאַחַ֥ר (mê·’a·ḥar)
Preposition-m
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

the ewes
עָל֗וֹת (‘ā·lō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 5763: To suckle, give milk

He brought him
הֱ֫בִיא֥וֹ (hĕ·ḇî·’ōw)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to be shepherd
לִ֭רְעוֹת (lir·‘ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

of His people
עַמּ֑וֹ (‘am·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

Jacob,
בְּיַעֲקֹ֣ב (bə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

of Israel
וּ֝בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (ū·ḇə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

His inheritance.
נַחֲלָתֽוֹ׃ (na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion


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OT Poetry: Psalm 78:71 From following the ewes that have their (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 78:70
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