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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-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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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="audio" id="audio"></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 /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/78.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/78.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So David shepherded them with integrity of heart</b><br>David, the youngest son of Jesse, was chosen by God to be king over Israel, a role that began with his experience as a shepherd. This phrase highlights David's leadership qualities, emphasizing his integrity. Integrity of heart suggests a sincere and honest commitment to God and His people, reflecting the biblical ideal of a leader who is after God's own heart (<a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">1 Samuel 13:14</a>). David's shepherding role is a type of Christ, the Good Shepherd (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>), who leads His flock with purity and righteousness. The shepherd imagery is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where shepherding was a common occupation and a metaphor for leadership (Psalm 23).<p><b>and guided them with skillful hands</b><br>David's guidance of Israel is marked by his skillful leadership, which includes military prowess, administrative abilities, and spiritual guidance. The phrase "skillful hands" indicates not only physical ability but also wisdom and discernment in governance. David's reign brought unity and prosperity to Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. His leadership is a foreshadowing of Christ's perfect rule, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a>. The historical context of David's reign includes the consolidation of the tribes of Israel and the establishment of a centralized monarchy, which required both strategic and diplomatic skills. David's ability to lead effectively is seen as a gift from God, aligning with the biblical theme that true wisdom and skill come from the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The second king of Israel, known for his heart after God and his leadership qualities. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, representing a model of godly leadership.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation that David shepherded, representing God's chosen people. Israel's history is marked by periods of faithfulness and rebellion, and David's reign is often seen as a high point in their history.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shepherding.htm">Shepherding</a></b><br>A metaphor for leadership used throughout the Bible. It implies care, guidance, and protection, reflecting how David led Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_leadership.htm">Integrity in Leadership</a></b><br>True leadership is rooted in integrity. David's leadership was effective because it was grounded in a sincere and upright heart. As Christians, we are called to lead with integrity in our families, workplaces, and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/skillful_guidance.htm">Skillful Guidance</a></b><br>Leadership also requires skill. David's ability to guide Israel with "skillful hands" suggests that we should seek to develop our abilities and talents to serve others effectively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_a_shepherd.htm">The Heart of a Shepherd</a></b><br>The metaphor of shepherding reminds us of the importance of caring for those we lead. Like David, we should be attentive to the needs of others, providing guidance and protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_choice_and_anointing.htm">God's Choice and Anointing</a></b><br>Just as God chose David for his heart, He looks at our hearts. We should strive to cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God, knowing that He equips those He calls.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_ultimate_shepherd.htm">Christ as the Ultimate Shepherd</a></b><br>David's role as a shepherd points to Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd. We can find comfort and guidance in Christ, who leads us with perfect integrity and skill.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_78.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 78</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/blaise_pascal__who_was_he_and_his_impact.htm">What does 'maskil' mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_david_claim_full_integrity.htm">(Psalm 26:1) How can David claim complete integrity when other scriptures say no one is without sin?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_global_homage_to_israel's_kings.htm">Psalm 72:11 suggests all kings will bow down, yet there's no record of worldwide homage to Israel's monarchy; how do we account for this discrepancy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_101_1_align_with_david's_sins.htm">How does Psalm 101:1's theme of justice reconcile with David's own moral failures as recorded in other parts of the Old Testament?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><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>