GOD’S SHEPHERD
Psalm 78:70-72,
Psalm 78 recounts Israel’s long history of rebellion and God’s persistent faithfulness. Near the end of the psalm, the focus narrows from the nation to one man, David. These final verses present David not first as a warrior or king, but as a shepherd chosen and shaped by God. The passage teaches us how God raises leaders and how He defines faithfulness. It also shows that shepherding lies at the heart of godly leadership.
God’s Choice
David’s calling begins with God’s sovereign choice. David was not chosen because of status, strength, or public recognition, but because God set His favor upon him. The sheepfold was a place of obscurity, yet it became the training ground for kingship.
Psalm 78:70, ESV: He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheepfolds
This reminds us that God often prepares His servants in hidden places before placing them in visible roles. What looks insignificant to others is often essential in God’s design.
Preparation
David’s responsible service for his father’s sheep becomes the model for his leadership over Israel. The skills learned in ordinary faithfulness required patience, courage, and attentiveness. These were exactly what God intended to use for the good of His people.
Psalm 78:71: from following the nursing ewes he brought him
to shepherd Jacob his people,
Israel his inheritance.
Leadership in Scripture is similar to shepherding. God does not abandon the shepherd model when David becomes king; He elevates it. Ruling God’s people means guarding, guiding, and nurturing them.
Qualities
Psalm 78 concludes by defining true leadership through integrity of heart and skillful action. David’s shepherding succeeds not because of power alone, but because God shapes his character and conduct.
Psalm 78:72: With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skillful hand.
This verse sets the biblical standard for leadership among God’s people, where faithfulness of heart and wisdom in practice belong together. Shepherding with integrity and skill is for the family, small community, or a nation.
Application
1. Let us remember that God often chooses and prepares His servants in hidden places before giving them leadership responsibility. Thus, we must be faithful and responsible servants of God.
2. Let us understand that God equips His servants through caring for others before entrusting them with greater responsibility. We should learn to shepherd faithfully, knowing that serving His people well prepares us.
3. Let us pursue integrity of heart and skillful shepherding in all that God entrusts to us. We should remember that faithful leadership is measured by godly character and wise action under God’s hand.
Poem
GOD’S SHEPHERD by Ed Pilapil Jr God chose David as His shepherd David sang, and the flock had heard Songs that Israel also heard It is clear; God chose His shepherd From the small flock to the nation ‘Twas God’s way of preparation Not man’s way of preparation Godly men must lead the nation God shaped King David’s upright heart It began with a humble start A small assignment was the start We must lead with an upright heart Shepherding skills are a blessing God’s gift; it’s among many things The LORD of all decrees all things The Good Shepherd is our blessing
Study Guide
1. God chose David. Describe David (Ps 78:70).
2. What may we learn about God’s preparation for David (Ps 78:71)?
3. How did David shepherd Israel? Describe the two qualities (Ps 78:72).
