Psalm 78 (77):70Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It should not trouble us that when it is stated, "He chose David," referencing Christ, it follows with, "His servant, and not His Son." We can infer from this that it was not the essence of the Only-begotten, who is of the same nature as the Father, that was represented, but rather the likeness of a servant derived from David’s lineage.

Consequently, Theodoret and Nicetas observed this: the highest expression of divine grace is that God honored one who was not even a distinguished shepherd, but merely a servant, tending behind those giving birth; so humble that he was unfit for the shepherd’s role, yet executed the duties of a youth rather than of a true shepherd. According to Athanasius, recognizing David's pastoral wisdom in attentively observing the birthing ewes, God appointed him as shepherd over His flock and elevated him from the sheepfold to the kingship. Simmachus translates instead: who walked behind those who brought forth. Isychius suggests: David served as both the father and archetype of Christ; hence, he is not chosen from an individual flock but from the multitude of sheep. Indeed, Christ possesses various flocks—some human, others angelic, and some both visible and invisible—each abundant in fruitfulness, for none are barren under His care, but all yield life and salvation. This is why Isaiah proclaims, "Because of Thy fear, O Lord, we have conceived and brought forth the spirit of salvation, which we have manifested on the earth." The words of Theodoret remind us that it is often the young who care for the newly born lambs.

Those who speak profanely, curse, and slander are all heading toward ruin. Each lawbreaker is journeying toward eternal destruction. Oh, he moves forward blindly, risking a fall from which he may never recover! When you see him approaching, call out, “Brother, you are on the wrong path,” for a pit lies ahead of you, into which you could fall and be lost forever. Restrain him, dear one, before he succumbs to the danger! He is your brother, your neighbor, a fellow being endowed with a rational soul, heading toward calamity. Show him compassion and do your utmost to guide him back. He is unaware of the path he treads. The adversary has veiled his vision. It is regrettable enough for one who steps toward a visible pit, with only temporary consequences in store. But how much more tragic is it for those who strive toward the ditch of eternal ruin? This responsibility, though every believer is called to undertake it in love, is particularly relevant for church leaders—pastors, bishops, and priests—as well as parents and authorities. Every leader, if they are a follower of Christ and placed over Christians, is akin to a shepherd. They must, to the best of their ability, protect those entrusted to them from this path to destruction, guiding them back toward salvation with the authority given to them by God. As it is said of David, the King of Israel: “And he chose David his servant, and took him from the flock of the sheep, and from the milking he took him to shepherd Jacob his servant, and Israel his inheritance. And he tended them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands” (Psalm 77:70-72). Dear shepherds, the Lord has assigned His flock into your care. Protect and nurture it against spiritual dangers. Parents, God has blessed you with children; raise them in reverence for Him and counsel them against wickedness. Authorities, the Lord has placed you over His people and equipped you with a sword; eradicate all evil from your realm. Gentlemen, your role is not only to gain from Christ’s flock but also to shepherd them. But what if the shepherd or leader becomes like a blind man, descending toward ruin and leading his charges astray? “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23). O Good and Merciful God, avert this calamity from Your people. “Shepherd Israel, weep!... Remember not our first transgressions. May Your goodness go before us, O Lord, for we are in great need. Help us, O God, our Savior, for the glory of Your name. O Lord, deliver us and cleanse us from our sins for Your name's sake, so that the nations do not question, ‘Where is their God?’... O Lord, God of Hosts, restore us and shine Your face upon us, so that we may be saved” (Psalm 79:2, 4, 78:8-10).

For this reason, the inception of Christ's kingdom was characterized by humility and simplicity, aligning with its purpose and demonstrating that God did not rely on external means to effect our salvation. Hence, he emphasizes God’s grace by illustrating how David transitioned from shepherding sheep to leading God’s chosen people. The Holy Spirit intended to demonstrate the distinction between rightful kings and shepherds and those who inappropriately seize power. David fulfilled his appointed role faithfully, which serves as a rebuke of the ingratitude and wickedness of the people of Israel, who not only disregarded this sacred and inviolable command but also rejected the saving yoke, resulting in a tragic dispersion. The subsequent remarks concerning the actions of his hands, while not entirely fitting, show clearly that David was not only prosperous in his endeavors but also guided by the Holy Spirit. He did not hastily engage in wrongful activities but approached his responsibilities with wisdom and prudence. Thus, the success of his undertakings reflects the commendation of wisdom over mere fortune.

The Savior seeks a willing ear from His people, cautioning them against suffering the same consequences as the former Jewish nation, who failed to heed God's commands. The Savior instructs them to diligently reflect upon the Gospel and to receive the prophecy with sincerity. Although the Jews were formidable, they fell in the struggle during the Passion of Christ due to their lack of faith. Particularly disloyal to God was the tribe of Ephraim, which succumbed to the idolatry of the golden calf and led the other nine tribes astray. As a result of this betrayal, God stripped them of their valor: despite their skills in archery, they fell into fear and retreated on the battlefield. Consequently, they were taken captive and dispersed among the nations. Despite witnessing their complete descent into worldly wisdom and their refusal to repent, God showed mercy to the Jews. In accordance with His immense compassion, He refrained from annihilating all of them in the wilderness and chose to spare them. The flesh represents humanity, which is affected by passions and decay. The Spirit, having departed from humanity, will not return until the second coming.