How does Psalm 78:70 highlight God's choice in leadership selection? Setting the scene Psalm 78 recounts Israel’s history of rebellion and God’s faithful guidance. Near the end, the narrative pivots to God’s answer for the nation’s instability: the raising up of David. Key verse “He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds.” (Psalm 78:70) What Psalm 78:70 reveals about God’s leadership choice • Choice is God’s initiative: “He chose.” Leadership begins with divine election, not human campaigning. • Servant first, leader second: David is called “His servant,” underscoring that authority rests on submission to God. • From obscurity to prominence: “From the sheepfolds” highlights God’s pattern of selecting the humble (cf. 1 Samuel 16:11–13). • Purposeful relocation: God “took” David—an active verb showing God’s direct hand in moving a shepherd to a throne. Supporting Scriptures • 1 Samuel 16:7 — “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” • 2 Samuel 7:8 — “I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be ruler over My people Israel.” • 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 — God chooses “the foolish” and “the weak” to shame the strong, so no one may boast. • John 10:11 — Jesus, the Good Shepherd, models the shepherd-king pattern fulfilled in David. Qualities God valued in David • A shepherd’s heart—protective, sacrificial, attentive (Psalm 78:71–72). • Integrity—“he shepherded them with a heart of integrity” (v. 72). • Skillfulness—“with skillful hands he led them” (v. 72), proving practical competence matters alongside character. • Faith—demonstrated in defending the flock against lion and bear (1 Samuel 17:34–37). Timeless principles for recognizing God-chosen leaders today • Look for servant-hearted humility instead of self-promotion. • Assess integrity and faithfulness in small assignments before public platforms. • Value spiritual calling above résumé credentials. • Remember God often raises leaders from unexpected places, ensuring He receives the glory. |
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