David, a Picture of Servanthood

In the rich narrative of Scripture, David stands as a towering figure whose life vividly illustrates the power of a heart submitted to God. From his humble beginnings as a shepherd to his reign as Israel’s king, David’s journey is a profound example of servanthood. This example reveals how God can work mightily through anyone who yields fully to Him. Psalm 78:70-72 encapsulates this truth, presenting David as God’s chosen servant, called from the sheepfolds to lead His people with integrity and skill. In this blog post, we exegete these verses, explore key Hebrew terms using the English Standard Version (ESV), and reflect on how David’s multifaceted life as shepherd, psalmist, commander, and king demonstrates servanthood. Through his story, we will uncover lessons about obedience, sin's consequences, and God's boundless grace, inspiring us to surrender our lives to the Lord’s purposes.

Exegesis of Psalm 78:70-72

Psalm 78 is a historical psalm that traces Israel’s journey with God, recounting their cycles of rebellion and God’s steadfast faithfulness. It culminates in verses 67-72 with a hopeful shift, highlighting God’s sovereign choice of Judah, Mount Zion, and David as the shepherd-king of His people. Let’s dive into verses 70-72 to uncover their meaning and David’s role as a servant.

Verse 70: “He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds.” (ESV)

The Hebrew word for “chose” is bachar (בָּחַר), which signifies a deliberate, intentional selection. God’s choice of David wasn’t arbitrary; it was purposeful, rooted in His omniscience. The term “servant” (eved, עֶבֶד) is equally significant. In Scripture, being called God’s eved is an honor, reserved for those like Moses, Abraham, and David who live in submission to His will. Here, it marks David as one devoted to God’s service. The “sheepfolds” point to David’s lowly origins as a shepherd—a role far removed from royalty. This detail underscores God’s pattern of exalting the humble, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:11, where David is summoned from tending sheep to be anointed king.

Verse 71: “From following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance.” (ESV)

This verse bridges David’s past and his divine calling. “Nursing ewes” translates alot (עָלוֹת), referring to ewes nurturing their lambs, a task requiring gentleness and vigilance. David’s care for these vulnerable creatures mirrors the tenderness God sought in a leader for His people. The verb “to shepherd” (ra’ah, רָעָה) appears twice—once for tending sheep and again for leading Israel—drawing a direct parallel. God took David from a physical flock to shepherd “Jacob his people, Israel his inheritance,” terms that emphasize Israel’s identity as God’s chosen possession (nachalah, נַחֲלָה). This transition reveals God’s preparation for a greater purpose in David’s early life.

Verse 72: “With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” (ESV)

Two qualities define David’s leadership. “Upright heart” (tom levavo, תֹּם לְבָבוֹ) uses tom, meaning integrity or wholeness, suggesting a heart undivided in its devotion to God. Charles Spurgeon reflects, “David was upright before God, and never swerved in heart from the obedient worship of Jehovah. Whatever faults he had, he was unfeignedly sincere in his allegiance to Israel’s superior king.” The phrase “skillful hand” (tevunah kapav, תְּבוּנָה כַּפָּיו) includes tevunah, denoting wisdom or understanding, paired with kapav (hands), indicating practical skill. David didn’t just lead with passion; he governed with competence, fulfilling his role as God’s servant-king.

Contextual Insight (Psalm 78:67-69):

The broader context enhances this portrait. Verses 67-69 describe God rejecting Joseph and Ephraim's tent, choosing Judah and Mount Zion instead as His sanctuary’s home. As commentator James Boice notes, this shift signals a new beginning: “There are always new beginnings with God. Ephraim is rejected, but here Judah is chosen.” David’s selection follows this pattern: an unlikely shepherd boy elevated to lead Israel, mirroring Jerusalem’s rise as the “City of David.” Together, these verses celebrate God’s grace in providing a leader whose heart and hands reflect His own.

Through this exegesis, we see David as God’s chosen servant, called from obscurity to shepherd His people with integrity and skill—a picture of servanthood rooted in submission to God’s will.

David’s Roles as Servant

David’s life unfolds across multiple roles, revealing how his devotion enabled God to use him mightily. As shepherd, psalmist, commander, and king, he exemplifies servanthood.

Shepherd: Learning Humility and Strength

Before his anointing in 1 Samuel 16:1-13, David was a shepherd, a role that shaped his character. Tending sheep was a humble task, often assigned to the youngest or least regarded, yet David diligently embraced it. In 1 Samuel 17:34-36, he recounts protecting his flock from lions and bears:

“Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth… Your servant has struck down both lions and bears.” (ESV)

This courage and care for the weak prepared David to shepherd Israel. His obedience to his father Jesse, fetching his brothers from battle (1 Samuel 17:17-18), taught him the humility he’d later need to depend on God. These years of waiting—between anointing and kingship—honed a servant’s heart, trusting God’s timing.

Psalmist: Hungering for God

David’s psalms offer an intimate window into his soul, revealing a servant’s hunger for the Lord. He bares his fears, sorrows, and joys with raw honesty. In Psalm 23:1, he writes, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (ESV), portraying God as his guide and provider—a reflection of his own shepherding heart. In darker moments, like Psalm 13:1-2, he cries, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” yet concludes with trust: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love” (v. 5).

His repentance in Psalm 51, after his sin with Bathsheba, further showcases this servanthood:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (v. 10, ESV)

David’s vulnerability blesses countless believers, teaching us to commune with God in every season—a hallmark of a servant wholly devoted to Him.

Commander and King

David ruled Israel for 40 years, transforming Jerusalem into the “City of David” (2 Samuel 5:9). As a commander, he united the tribes and defeated enemies, yet his leadership retained a servant’s humility. When God promised an everlasting dynasty in 2 Samuel 7, David responded with awe:

“Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?” (v. 18, ESV)

His kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) exemplifies this further. Despite Mephibosheth’s inability to repay him, David restored his land and welcomed him to his table, reflecting God’s grace. David’s reign, marked by integrity and skill, fulfilled Psalm 78:72, shepherding Israel as God’s servant-king.

Lessons from David’s Life

David’s story teaches us about servanthood, sin, and God’s grace, offering timeless truths for our walk with Christ.

A Heart Submitted to God

God chose David not for his status but for his heart. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God declares, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (ESV). Acts 13:22 calls David “a man after [God’s] own heart,” highlighting his desire to align with God’s will. This submission enabled God to use him mightily, showing us that a yielded heart is the foundation of servanthood.

The Consequences of Sin and Need for Repentance

David’s life wasn’t flawless. His sin with Bathsheba and Uriah’s murder (2 Samuel 11) brought severe consequences—family strife and loss. Yet, when Nathan confronted him, David confessed, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13, ESV). His repentance in Psalm 51 models a servant’s response to failure—humbly seeking God’s mercy. Sin has a cost, but repentance restores us to God’s purpose.

The Limitlessness of God’s Grace

Despite his failures, God’s grace abounded in David’s life. He restored David and fulfilled His promise through him, as Jesus, the Messiah, descended from his line. Derek Kidner writes, “If Israel’s record is her shame, God’s persistent goodness emerges as her hope (and ours).” David’s imperfections didn’t disqualify him; his submission allowed God to redeem him, proving that God uses flawed people who yield to Him.

Application for Today

David’s servanthood inspires us to live for God today.

Emulating David’s Heart

We can serve with David’s humility and dependence in small tasks or grand callings. A volunteer cleaning the church or a leader guiding a ministry can reflect this by prioritizing God’s glory over personal gain.

Submitting to God

Like David, we cultivate a heart for God through prayer and Scripture. Regular communion—praising Him in joy or crying out in pain—keeps us aligned with His will, enabling Him to work through us.

Serving in Our Roles

David’s varied roles remind us that every calling matters. A parent nurturing children, a worker excelling for God’s glory, or a student studying faithfully can be acts of servanthood when done unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).

Conclusion

David’s life, illuminated by Psalm 78:70-72, paints a vivid picture of servanthood. His submitted heart allowed God to use him mightily from shepherd to king despite his flaws. His story of obedience, repentance, and grace echoes through the ages, blessing believers and pointing to Jesus, David’s Greater Son, whose perfect integrity fulfills what David’s life foreshadowed. As we reflect on David, may we surrender our hearts to God, trusting that He can work through us, imperfect as we are, for His eternal glory. Let’s pray, “Lord, here I am—use me as Your servant.”