Psalms 78:72
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֭יִּרְעֵם
So he fed
H7462
וַ֭יִּרְעֵם
So he fed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
1 of 6
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
כְּתֹ֣ם
them according to the integrity
H8537
כְּתֹ֣ם
them according to the integrity
Strong's:
H8537
Word #:
2 of 6
completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
וּבִתְבוּנ֖וֹת
them by the skilfulness
H8394
וּבִתְבוּנ֖וֹת
them by the skilfulness
Strong's:
H8394
Word #:
4 of 6
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
Cross References
1 Kings 9:4And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:2 Timothy 2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Historical Context
David rose from literal shepherd to king, making this metaphor autobiographical. Despite personal failures (Bathsheba, Uriah), his overall reign was marked by genuine devotion to God and wise governance. The contrast with Saul, who had position but not heart, is implicit. This verse anticipates the "good shepherd" prophecy (Ezekiel 34) and ultimately Christ, the Chief Shepherd who leads with perfect integrity and infinite wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does combining "integrity of heart" with "skilfulness of hands" challenge both anti-intellectual pietism and competent ungodliness in Christian leadership?
- In what ways did David exemplify shepherding leadership, and where did he fail—and what do both teach us?
- How does Jesus Christ fulfill this ideal perfectly as the good shepherd who feeds and guides His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse concludes Psalm 78 by celebrating David's shepherding of Israel with two qualities: "integrity of his heart" (Hebrew ketom levavo) and "skilfulness of his hands" (Hebrew uvetvunot kappav). "Integrity" (tom) indicates moral wholeness, sincerity, blamelessness—not sinless perfection but genuine devotion to God. "Skilfulness" (tevunot) denotes wisdom, understanding, competent administration. The shepherd metaphor ("fed" and "guided") recalls God's own shepherding of Israel (Psalm 23) and establishes the king as God's under-shepherd. True leadership requires both character (integrity) and competence (skill); neither suffices alone.