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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 78:71 from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/78-71.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/19_Psa_078_071.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 78:71 - I Will Open My Mouth in Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/78-70.htm" title="Psalm 78:70">◄</a> Psalm 78:71 <a href="/psalms/78-72.htm" title="Psalm 78:72">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/78.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/78.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants— God’s own people, Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/78.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/78.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/78.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/78.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />From the care of the ewes with nursing lambs He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />From the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />From the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/78.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />From following the nursing ewes He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/78.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />From tending the ewes with nursing young He brought him To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/78.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />he brought him from tending ewes to be shepherd over his people Jacob — over Israel, his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/78.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He brought him from tending ewes to be shepherd over His people Jacob— over Israel, His inheritance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/78.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />From following the ewes that have their young he brought him, To be the shepherd of Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/78.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and from caring for lambs. Then God made him the leader of Israel, his own nation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/78.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />From following the ewes that give suck he brought him, to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/78.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/78.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />where he looked after his flocks, and he made him king of Israel, the shepherd of the people of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/78.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He brought him from birthing sheep to care for Jacob, his people, Israel, his possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/78.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/78.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He took him away from following the mother sheep, and made him the shepherd of Jacob, his people, and of Israel, his chosen nation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/78.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob his servant, and Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/78.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/78.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob, his people, and Israel, his inheritance. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/78.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He has brought him in from behind suckling ones, "" To rule over Jacob His people, "" And over Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/78.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> From behind suckling ones He hath brought him in, To rule over Jacob His people, And over Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/78.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />From those bringing up to care for Jacob his people and for Israel his inheritance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/78.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />To feed Jacob his servant, and Israel his inheritance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/78.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 77:71>in order to pasture Jacob his servant and Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/78.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />From tending ewes God brought him, to shepherd Jacob, his people, Israel, his heritage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/78.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />from tending the nursing ewes he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel, his inheritance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/78.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />From following the ewes that give suck, he brought him to feed Jacob his people and Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/78.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And from following nursing sheep to feed Jacob his people and Israel his inheritance.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/78.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />From following the ewes that give suck He brought him, To be shepherd over Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/78.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He took him from following the ewes great with young, to be the shepherd of Jacob his servant, and Israel his inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/78-71.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=9930" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">I Will Open My Mouth in Parables</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">70</span>He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; <span class="reftext">71</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: mê·’a·ḥar (Prep-m) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">from tending</a> <a href="/hebrew/5763.htm" title="5763: ‘ā·lō·wṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fp) -- To nurse, give suck. A primitive root; to suckle, i.e. Give milk.">the ewes</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hĕ·ḇî·’ōw (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">He brought him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: lir·‘ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">to be shepherd</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of His people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: bə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">Jacob,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: ū·ḇə·yiś·rā·’êl (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/5159.htm" title="5159: na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From nachal; properly, something inherited, i.e. occupancy, or an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion.">His inheritance.</a> </span><span class="reftext">72</span>So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11-13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">2 Samuel 7:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/17-7.htm">1 Chronicles 17:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23</a></span><br />I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/37-24.htm">Ezekiel 37:24</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-35</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a></span><br />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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-16.htm">1 Kings 8:16</a></span><br />‘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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a></span><br />Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-6.htm">Matthew 2:6</a></span><br />‘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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Acts 13:22</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a></span><br />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,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.</p><p class="hdg">from following.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Genesis 33:13</a></b></br> And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children <i>are</i> tender, and the flocks and herds with young <i>are</i> with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></b></br> He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry <i>them</i> in his bosom, <i>and</i> shall gently lead those that are with young.</p><p class="hdg">brought</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/75-6.htm">Psalm 75:6,7</a></b></br> For promotion <i>cometh</i> neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/113-7.htm">Psalm 113:7,8</a></b></br> He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, <i>and</i> lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7,8</a></b></br> The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up… </p><p class="hdg">feed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/11-2.htm">1 Chronicles 11:2</a></b></br> And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou <i>wast</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23,24</a></b></br> And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, <i>even</i> my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Care</a> <a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Ewes</a> <a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/psalms/48-13.htm">Following</a> <a href="/psalms/78-30.htm">Food</a> <a href="/psalms/78-32.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/78-62.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/psalms/78-59.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/78-21.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/psalms/65-13.htm">Lambs</a> <a href="/psalms/63-5.htm">Milk</a> <a href="/psalms/78-31.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/psalms/72-8.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/job/39-30.htm">Suck</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-19.htm">Suckling</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-16.htm">Tending</a> <a href="/psalms/78-63.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/80-14.htm">Care</a> <a href="/songs/4-2.htm">Ewes</a> <a href="/psalms/80-13.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/psalms/109-13.htm">Following</a> <a href="/psalms/78-72.htm">Food</a> <a href="/psalms/79-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/79-1.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/79-7.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-26.htm">Lambs</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Milk</a> <a href="/psalms/79-2.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/psalms/81-4.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/psalms/79-13.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/psalms/78-72.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Suck</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Suckling</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-3.htm">Tending</a> <a href="/psalms/80-15.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 78</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-67.htm">The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/78.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/78.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>from tending the ewes</b><br>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 (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).<p><b>He brought him</b><br>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 (<a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11-13</a>). 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 (<a href="/genesis/41-41.htm">Genesis 41:41</a>).<p><b>to be shepherd of His people Jacob</b><br>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 (<a href="/micah/5-4.htm">Micah 5:4</a>).<p><b>of Israel His inheritance</b><br>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 (<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a>). 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 (<a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>Represents the people of Israel, as Jacob's name was changed to Israel, and his descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God as His inheritance, whom David was appointed to lead as king.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/shepherding.htm">Shepherding</a></b><br>The act of tending sheep, which symbolizes leadership and care. David's experience as a shepherd prepared him for his role as king.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_calling.htm">God's Calling</a></b><br>The divine act of selecting and appointing David from a humble position to a significant leadership role over His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_choice.htm">God's Sovereign Choice</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_through_humble_beginnings.htm">Preparation through Humble Beginnings</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_as_service.htm">Leadership as Service</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_small_things.htm">Faithfulness in Small Things</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_inheritance.htm">God's Inheritance</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_78.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 78</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_early_christians_use_a_shepherd_model.htm">(1 Peter 5:2) Is there historical evidence that early Christian communities followed a shepherd-flock structure as described, or is this an idealized model without real precedent? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_bible_passages_vary_on_israel's_land.htm">If Psalm 47:4 says God chooses Israel's inheritance, why do other Bible passages suggest different territorial boundaries and covenants?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_early_deaths_of_the_faithful.htm">Proverbs 16:31 declares that gray hair, or old age, is a crown of glory for the righteous--how do we reconcile this with the early deaths of many who lead faithful and moral lives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_40_years_to_reach_promised_land.htm">Why did Israelites' journey to the Promised Land take 40 years?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/78.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(71) <span class= "bld">Ewes great with young</span>--So also in <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm" title="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.">Isaiah 40:11</a>; but properly, <span class= "ital">ewes with lambs. </span>Literally, <span class= "ital">giving suck.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/78.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 71.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">From following the ewes great with young he brought him</span> (comp. <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a>). 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. <span class="cmt_word">To feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance</span> (see <a href="/1_chronicles/11-2.htm">1 Chronicles 11:2</a>). As Peter, James, and John were called from their occupation of fishers to be "fishers of men" (<a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19</a>), so David was called from feeding sheep to feed God's people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/78-71.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">from tending</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאַחַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’a·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ewes</span><br /><span class="heb">עָל֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5763.htm">Strong's 5763: </a> </span><span class="str2">To suckle, give milk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He brought him</span><br /><span class="heb">הֱ֫בִיא֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(hĕ·ḇî·’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be shepherd</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֭רְעוֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lir·‘ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of His people</span><br /><span class="heb">עַמּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘am·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jacob,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיַעֲקֹ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His inheritance.</span><br /><span class="heb">נַחֲלָתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5159.htm">Strong's 5159: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/78-71.htm">Psalm 78:71 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/78-71.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 78:71 From following the ewes that have their (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/78-70.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 78:70"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:70" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/78-72.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 78:72"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:72" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>