Psalm 78 (77):71Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, He was taken from that place due to the abundance of the sheep. For those early Churches resembled what is described in the Song of Songs: “Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep coming out of the bath, all of whom give birth to twins, but the barren one is not among them” (Songs 4:2). They shed the burdens of the world as if removing wool (Acts 2:45), bringing the proceeds of their sold possessions to the feet of the Apostles (Acts 4:34-35) and thereafter being encouraged by the Apostle Peter amidst their distress from the shedding of Christ’s blood, when he proclaimed, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and your sins shall be forgiven you” (Acts 2:38). Thus they bore twins, representing the two commandments of supreme love: love for God and love for neighbor, without any lack between them. Because of the multitude of these sheep, our David was taken and now shepherds other flocks among the Gentiles, just as Jacob and Israel do. Indeed, it is written: “To feed Jacob his servant, and Israel his inheritance.” However, one should not presume to distinguish that Jacob serves in this current time, while he shall one day embody the eternal heritage of God when he sees God face to face, the source of his name Israel (Genesis 32:28).

Those who use foul language, blaspheme, or speak carelessly also find themselves in peril. The slanderer, the gossip, and the one who curses face the same fate. Each lawbreaker heads toward eternal damnation. O, how tragically blind he is, on the verge of falling and potentially never emerging again! When you notice him approaching, cry out in anguish, "Brother, turn back! You are straying from the right path. There lies a pit before you, a peril from which you may never escape." With urgency, try to prevent his fall! He is your brother, your neighbor, a fellow human being endowed with a soul, walking toward destruction. Show him compassion and do whatever you can to return him to safety! He is unaware of his path—his spiritual eyes have been darkened by the temptations of the enemy. We must have compassion for the blind man who approaches a visible pit, knowing that only temporary calamity awaits him. How much more should our hearts ache for the blind soul running toward eternal ruin? This ministry, although it is the duty of every Christian to act in love, falls first and foremost upon the shoulders of church leaders, bishops, priests, parents, and rulers. Each authority ordained over Christians is tasked with the role of shepherd. They must strive earnestly to guide their flock away from destruction, utilizing the authority granted to them by God to direct souls back toward salvation. As noted in Scripture regarding David, 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 in the integrity of his heart, and guided them wisely with his hands” (Psalm 77:70-72). Dear shepherds, the Lord has entrusted you with His flock. Protect it and shield it from spiritual dangers. Parents, God has blessed you with children. Raise them in the fear of the Lord and counsel them away from wickedness. Authorities, the Lord has set you over His people and bestowed upon you the sword of justice. Sever all evil influencing your charges. Gentlemen, you are called not only to shear Christ's flock but to shepherd them. But what if the shepherd and leader, blinded himself, heads toward destruction and inadvertently leads his flock with him? “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23). O God, who is All-Good and Merciful! Please turn the tide of this evil from Israel. “Shepherd Israel, wail!...! Do not remember our former iniquities. Let Your goodness swiftly come to us, O Lord, for we are in dire need. Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your name. O Lord! Rescue us and cleanse us from our sins for Your name’s sake, that the nations may never say, ‘Where is their God?’… O Lord, God of Hosts! Restore us and shine Your face upon us, that we may be saved” (Psalm 79:2, 4; 78:8-10).

Consequently, the inception of Christ's kingdom was intended to be humble and modest, aligning with its purpose and demonstrating that God achieved our salvation without reliance on external means. Additionally, this highlights God's grace by illustrating why David transitioned from a shepherd of sheep to a shepherd of His chosen people. The Holy Spirit indicates the distinction between rightful rulers and unlawful usurpers, revealing how David faithfully fulfilled his appointed role. This serves as a critique of the ingratitude and wickedness of the Israelites, who not only disregarded this sacred command of God but also, by rejecting the saving yoke, brought upon themselves disorder and devastation. Although the subsequent references to intentions may not be articulated correctly, the Holy Spirit clearly affirms that David was not only blessed and prosperous in his endeavors but also guided by the Holy Spirit. His actions were always undertaken with wisdom and caution, rather than recklessness, reflecting that the true success of his work merits greater praise than mere fortune.

Although the psalm's lessons were once meant for the Jews, they now pertain to Christ’s followers: the old law serves as a precursor to the new covenant. The Savior implores His people to listen attentively, to avoid the fate of the ancient Israelites who disobeyed God. He emphasizes the importance of diligently examining the Gospel's teachings and receiving the prophecy with sincerity.

Despite the Jews' strength, they faltered during the Passion of Christ due to their unbelief. Particularly disloyal was the tribe of Ephraim, which succumbed to idolatry with the golden calf, leading other tribes astray. As a consequence of this betrayal, God stripped them of their valor; despite their prowess in archery, they were overtaken by fear and retreated in the heat of battle. Consequently, they were taken captive and dispersed among the nations.

Yet God, in His mercy, recognized the Jews' complete surrender to carnal wisdom and their refusal to repent. In His immense compassion, He chose not to obliterate all the Jews in the wilderness but instead showed them mercy and spared them. Humanity is marked by flesh, characterized by passions and corruption. The Spirit, having departed from humanity, will not return until the Second Coming.