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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 78:72 So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/78-72.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/19_Psa_078_072.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 78:72 - I Will Open My Mouth in Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/78-72.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/78-72.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/78.htm">Chapter 78</a> > Verse 72</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/78-71.htm" title="Psalm 78:71">◄</a> Psalm 78:72 <a href="/psalms/79-1.htm" title="Psalm 79:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/78.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/78.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/78.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/78.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/78.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/78.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/78.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And led them with his skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/78.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So David shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart; And guided them with his skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/78.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He shepherded them with a pure heart and guided them with his skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/78.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He shepherded them with a pure heart and guided them with his skillful hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/78.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/78.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />David treated the people fairly and guided them with wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/78.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/78.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />With unselfish devotion David became their shepherd. With skill he guided them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/78.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />David took care of them with unselfish devotion and led them with skill. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/78.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />David shepherded them with a devoted heart, and led them with skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/78.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/78.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />David cared for them with pure motives; he led them with skill. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/78.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/78.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/78.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/78.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he rules them according to the integrity of his heart, "" And leads them by the skillfulness of his hands!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/78.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he ruleth them according to the integrity of his heart, And by the skilfulness of his hands leadeth them!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/78.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will feed them according to the integrity of his heart, and he will guide them in the understandings of his hands.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/78.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he fed them in the innocence of his heart: and conducted them by the skilfulness of his hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/78.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 77:72>And he fed them with the innocence of his heart. And he led them with the understanding of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/78.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He shepherded them with a pure heart; with skilled hands he guided them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/78.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />With upright heart he tended them, and guided them with skillful hand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/78.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/78.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he shepherded them in the perfection of his heart and in the understanding of his hands he led them. <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/78.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart; And lead them by the skilfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/78.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So he tended them in the innocency of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/78-72.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=9938" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">I Will Open My Mouth in Parables</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">71</span>from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. <span class="reftext">72</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: way·yir·‘êm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">So David shepherded them</a> <a href="/hebrew/8537.htm" title="8537: kə·ṯōm (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- From tamam; completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually innocence.">with integrity</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">of heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/5148.htm" title="5148: yan·ḥêm (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To lead, guide. A primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport.">and guided them</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: ū·ḇiṯ·ḇū·nō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fpc) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">with skillful</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: kap·pāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">hands.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11-13</a></span><br />And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a></span><br />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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-2.htm">1 Chronicles 11:2</a></span><br />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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-23.htm">Ezekiel 34:23</a></span><br />I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a></span><br />Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-4.htm">1 Kings 9:4</a></span><br />And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a></span><br />But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">2 Samuel 7:8</a></span><br />Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/17-7.htm">1 Chronicles 17:7</a></span><br />Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a></span><br />When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-6.htm">Matthew 2:6</a></span><br />‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Acts 13:22</a></span><br />After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Hebrews 13:20</a></span><br />Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.</p><p class="hdg">according</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/75-2.htm">Psalm 75:2</a></b></br> When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/101-1.htm">Psalm 101:1-8</a></b></br> A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">2 Samuel 8:15</a></b></br> And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.</p><p class="hdg">guided</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-6.htm">1 Kings 3:6-9,28</a></b></br> And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as <i>it is</i> this day… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/11-15.htm">Zechariah 11:15-17</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5,6</a></b></br> Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency <i>is</i> of God; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">Asaph</a> <a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/37-3.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/psalms/78-71.htm">Food</a> <a href="/psalms/78-53.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/psalms/78-52.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/psalms/78-61.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/psalms/78-61.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/psalms/78-37.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/41-12.htm">Integrity</a> <a href="/psalms/67-4.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/psalms/77-20.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/72-8.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-71.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">Skillful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Skillfulness</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-4.htm">Tended</a> <a href="/psalms/75-10.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/73-24.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/79-1.htm">Asaph</a> <a href="/psalms/86-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/80-5.htm">Fed</a> <a href="/psalms/79-2.htm">Food</a> <a href="/psalms/94-12.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/psalms/107-7.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/psalms/80-15.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/psalms/80-12.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/psalms/81-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/101-2.htm">Integrity</a> <a href="/psalms/110-3.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/psalms/79-1.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/103-19.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/psalms/80-1.htm">Shepherd</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/songs/7-1.htm">Skillful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-21.htm">Skillfulness</a> <a href="/hosea/12-12.htm">Tended</a> <a href="/psalms/84-11.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 78</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-67.htm">The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/psalms/78.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>So David</b><br />The mention of David here is significant, as he is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his role as a king, warrior, and poet. The Hebrew root for David is "דָּוִד" (Dawid), meaning "beloved." This highlights the special relationship David had with God, being chosen and anointed as king. Historically, David's reign is seen as a golden era for Israel, a time when the nation was united and prosperous. His life is a testament to God's ability to use imperfect people for His perfect plans.<p><b>shepherded them</b><br />The imagery of shepherding is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, often used to describe leadership. The Hebrew word for shepherd is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which means to tend, pasture, or feed. This metaphor reflects the care, guidance, and protection a shepherd provides for his flock. In the context of David, it emphasizes his role as a leader who nurtures and looks after the people of Israel, much like he did with his sheep before becoming king. This shepherding role is a precursor to the ultimate Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who leads His people with love and sacrifice.<p><b>with integrity of heart</b><br />Integrity of heart refers to the purity and sincerity of one's intentions and actions. The Hebrew word for integrity is "תֹּם" (tom), which conveys completeness, innocence, and uprightness. David's leadership was marked by a genuine desire to serve God and His people faithfully. Despite his flaws and failures, David's heart was aligned with God's purposes, demonstrating a model of leadership that prioritizes moral and ethical standards. This phrase challenges believers to examine their own hearts and strive for integrity in their walk with God.<p><b>and guided them</b><br />Guidance is a critical aspect of leadership, involving direction and wisdom. The Hebrew word "נָחָה" (nahah) means to lead or guide. David's guidance was not just about making decisions but also about leading the people in the ways of God. This guidance is reminiscent of the divine guidance provided by God to His people throughout the Scriptures, such as the pillar of cloud and fire during the Exodus. It underscores the importance of seeking God's wisdom in leadership and decision-making.<p><b>with skillful hands</b><br />Skillful hands denote competence and expertise. The Hebrew word "תְּבוּנָה" (tebunah) refers to understanding, insight, and skill. David's ability to lead effectively was not only a result of his heart's integrity but also his practical skills and wisdom. This phrase highlights the balance between character and competence in leadership. It serves as a reminder that God equips His chosen leaders with the necessary skills to fulfill their calling, and believers are encouraged to develop their God-given talents for His glory.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/78.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 72.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart.</span> On the whole, David performed his task of governing Israel faithfully. He had the direct testimony of God to that effect (see <a href="/1_kings/9-4.htm">1 Kings 9:4</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And he guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.</span> David was not only an upright and faithful king, but also a "skilful" or prudent one. He built up his kingdom into an empire without suffering any serious disasters. Israel reached its acme of glory and prosperity under him, decline setting in under Solomon. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/78-72.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So [David] shepherded them</span><br /><span class="heb">וַ֭יִּרְעֵם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·‘êm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with integrity</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּתֹ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ṯōm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8537.htm">Strong's 8537: </a> </span><span class="str2">Completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבָב֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇā·ḇōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> </span><span class="str2">Inner man, mind, will, heart</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and guided them</span><br /><span class="heb">יַנְחֵֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(yan·ḥêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5148.htm">Strong's 5148: </a> </span><span class="str2">To guide, to transport</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with skillful</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבִתְבוּנ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇiṯ·ḇū·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hands.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּפָּ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(kap·pāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/78-72.htm">Psalm 78:72 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/78-72.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 78:72 So he was their shepherd according (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/78-71.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 78:71"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:71" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/79-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 79:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 79:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>