Psalms 78:71
Psalms 78:71 in Multiple Translations
from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
From following the ewes that have their young he brought him, To be the shepherd of Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
From looking after the sheep which were giving milk, he took him to give food to Jacob his people, and to Israel his heritage.
taking him from caring for the sheep and lambs to be a shepherd to the descendants of Jacob—God's special people, Israel.
Euen from behinde the ewes with yong brought he him to feede his people in Iaakob, and his inheritance in Israel.
From behind suckling ones He hath brought him in, To rule over Jacob His people, And over Israel His inheritance.
from following the ewes that have their young, he brought him to be the shepherd of Jacob, his people, and Israel, his inheritance.
From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
where he was taking care of his father’s sheep, and appointed him to be the leader [MET] of the Israeli people, the people who belong to God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:71
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 78:71 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵ/אַחַ֥ר
עָל֗וֹת
הֱ֫בִיא֥/וֹ
לִ֭/רְעוֹת
בְּ/יַעֲקֹ֣ב
עַמּ֑/וֹ
וּ֝/בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
נַחֲלָתֽ/וֹ
מֵ/אַחַ֥ר
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Prep
עָל֗וֹת
ʻûwl
H5763
to nurse
V-Qal
הֱ֫בִיא֥/וֹ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
לִ֭/רְעוֹת
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/יַעֲקֹ֣ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Prep | N-proper
עַמּ֑/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
וּ֝/בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Conj | Prep | N-proper
נַחֲלָתֽ/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:71
מֵ/אַחַ֥ר
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
עָל֗וֹת
ʻûwl
H5763
"to nurse"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to nurse or give milk, describing a mother caring for her young. It is used to portray a nurturing relationship, like a mother with her child.
Definition: 1) to give suck, suckle, nurse 1a) (Qal) giving suck (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: milch, (ewe great) with young. See also: Genesis 33:13; 1 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 78:71.
הֱ֫בִיא֥/וֹ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִ֭/רְעוֹת
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
בְּ/יַעֲקֹ֣ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
Prep | N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
עַמּ֑/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וּ֝/בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Conj | Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
נַחֲלָתֽ/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:71
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:71 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:71
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:71
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:71
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:71
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:71
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:71
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:71
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:71
- Sermons on Psalms 78:71
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.
72So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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.’” |
| 2 | 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.’” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 34:23–24 | I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. |
| 4 | Psalms 28:9 | Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever. |
| 5 | Genesis 33:13 | But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. |
| 6 | Isaiah 40:11 | He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 2:7–8 | The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 5:2 | Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; |
| 9 | Psalms 75:6–7 | For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. |
| 10 | Psalms 113:7–8 | He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. |
Psalms 78:71 Summary
This verse tells us that God took David from his job of taking care of sheep and made him the leader of His people, Israel. This shows us that God can use anyone, no matter how small or insignificant they may feel, to do great things (as seen in 1 Samuel 16:11-13). Just like David, we can trust God to guide and equip us for the roles He has called us to, and we can strive to lead or serve others with honesty and fairness, just as David did (Psalms 78:72). By remembering that we are part of God's special inheritance, we can find our true identity and purpose in Him (Deuteronomy 4:20).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God brought David from tending ewes to be shepherd of His people?
This refers to God's calling and equipping of David to transition from his humble role as a shepherd of sheep to becoming the leader of God's people, as seen in Psalms 78:71, a role that required great responsibility and trust in God, much like Moses' leadership in Exodus 3:10-12.
Why is Israel referred to as God's inheritance?
Israel is referred to as God's inheritance because they are His chosen people, set apart for His special purpose and care, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:20 and Psalms 28:9.
What does the phrase 'with integrity of heart' mean in the context of David's leadership?
The phrase 'with integrity of heart' as seen in Psalms 78:72, means that David led God's people with honesty, fairness, and a commitment to doing what is right in God's eyes, much like the character of Joseph in Genesis 39:4-5.
How does this verse relate to Jesus, the Good Shepherd?
This verse relates to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, because just as David was brought by God to shepherd His people, Jesus was sent by God to be the ultimate Shepherd of God's people, as seen in John 10:11 and John 10:14-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God has called and equipped me for a specific role or purpose, and how can I trust Him to guide me?
- How can I, like David, lead or serve others with integrity of heart, and what are some practical steps I can take to cultivate this quality?
- What does it mean for me to be part of God's inheritance, and how should this understanding shape my identity and sense of purpose?
- In what ways can I reflect on David's transition from shepherd to leader, and apply the lessons of trust, obedience, and humility to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:71
From following the ewes great with young,.... Or, "from after" them (a); it was usual with the shepherd to put them before him, and to follow them, and gently drive them, which is expressive of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:71
Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:71
Following the ewes great with young; by which employment he was inured to that care, and diligence, and self-denial which is necessary in a king or governor; and instructed to rule his people with all gentleness and tenderness.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:71
Psalms 78:71 From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.Ver. 71. From following the ewes] So Saul from seeking asses, Agathocles from making pots, Valentinian, ropes, &c. Placilla called upon her husband Theodosius, the emperor, to remember from what mean estate God had called him to the highest honours, εξοιων, ειςοια.~
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:71
(71) Ewes great with young—So also in Isaiah 40:11; but properly, ewes with lambs. Literally, giving suck.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:71
Verse 71. From following the ewes] Instances of this kind are not unfrequent in the ancient Greek and Roman history. Croesus said that Gyges, who was the first of his race, was a slave, and rose to sovereignty, succeeding his predecessor, of whose sheep he had been the pastor.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:71
71. From following the ewes with their young ones he brought him, To be shepherd of Jacob his people &c. This natural metaphor for the ruler’s care of his people was especially appropriate in the case of David, who was taken from being the shepherd of Jesse’s flock to be the shepherd of Jehovah’s flock. Cp. 2 Samuel 5:2.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:71
From following the ewes great with younq - Margin, as in Hebrew, From after. The meaning is, that he followed after them; that is, he attended them, or watched over them as a shepherd.
Sermons on Psalms 78:71
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Mighty Men of David by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the parallels between David and his mighty men enduring rejection and hardship before his exaltation, and the rejection of Jesus Christ by the world before |
|
The Coming King by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Revelation 19, highlighting the worship in heaven, the anticipation of the marriage of the Lamb, and the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ as King of kings and |
|
|
Son of God or Son of Man by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, drawing from prophecies in the Old Testament that were precisely fulfilled in his life, death, and resurrect |
|
|
Matthew 22:42 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the pivotal question posed by Jesus, 'What think ye of Christ, whose Son is He?' He emphasizes the significance of recognizing Jesus as the Son of God versus m |
|
Urgently Needed: Prophetic Leaders by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic leaders in a time when religious news is abundant yet lacks spiritual depth. He critiques the overwhelming focus on religious ac |
|
"The Shepherd of Israel" ch.10:1-10 by Charles Alexander | Charles Alexander delves into the profound prophetic purpose and revelation found in the tenth chapter of John, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, fulfilling anci |
|
|
Ezekiel 37:24 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes God's promises to Israel, particularly the restoration of the nation and the establishment of a united kingdom under a future king from David's lineage. He h |