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

PSALMS 78:71KJV
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Psalms 78:71 (KJV)

What does Psalms 78:71 mean?

Psalms 78:71 describes how God chose David from his humble work as a shepherd, caring for pregnant sheep, and brought him to lead and care for the people of Israel, whom God calls His special possession. The verse highlights God’s deliberate selection of David for a new, greater responsibility over His people.

The psalmist is recounting Israel’s history to the people, showing how God raised up David from ordinary beginnings to be the shepherd of the nation. The verse uses the image of shepherding sheep to describe how David would now “feed” (that is, lead and care for) Jacob (another name for Israel), emphasizing both David’s humble origins and God’s care for His people through him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:71

  • "following" (אַחַר, achar): This word means "behind" or "following after," and here it paints a picture of David literally walking behind the pregnant sheep, showing his lowly and attentive role before God called him.
  • "feed" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word means "to shepherd" or "to tend," and it is used here to describe David’s new role over Israel, connecting his care for sheep to his care for people.
  • "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word refers to something received as a possession, and in this verse, it highlights that Israel is not just any people but God’s own treasured inheritance.

Why Psalms 78:71 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that David’s kingship was based on his background or status; instead, it emphasizes God’s choice and David’s humble beginnings.
  • This verse connects David’s care for sheep to his future care for Israel, showing a pattern in how God prepares leaders through ordinary, faithful work.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 78, this verse is part of a retelling of Israel’s history, using David’s story to show God’s ongoing guidance and faithfulness to His people.

Where else these words appear

“young” Hebrew H5763 · used in 5 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Samuel 6:7 Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:
  • 1 Samuel 6:10 And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home:

“feed” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
  • Jeremiah 33:12 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.