So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
Read Chapter 78
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
37. "And He took him from the flocks of sheep, from behind the teeming sheep He received him: to feed Jacob His servant, and Israel His inheritance" (ver. 72). This David indeed, of whose seed the flesh of Christ is, from the pastoral care of cattle was translated to the kingdom of men: but our David, Jesus Himself, from men to men, from Jews to Gentiles, was yet according to the parable from sheep to sheep taken away and translated. For there are not now in that land "Churches of Judaea in Christ," which belonged to them of the circumcision after the recent Passion and Resurrection of our Lord, of whom saith the Apostle, "But I was unknown by face to the Churches of Judaea, which are in Christ," etc. Already from hence those Churches of the circumcised people have passed away: and thus in Judaea, which now doth exist on the earth, there is not now Christ. He hath been removed thence, now He doth feed flocks of Gentiles. Truly from behind teeming sheep He hath been taken thence. For th...
Skilfulness. Literally, "intelligences. "Plural words are used to express the greatness of the thing. David was very upright and intelligent. (Haydock)
This enhances the ingratitude of Ephraim, who divided the kingdom. (Calmet)
Yet David had fallen into some grievous mistakes, so that this can only belong strictly to Jesus Christ, who is the good shepherd, without sin. (Berthier)
He has here detailed what may serve to illustrate the law and the gospel, and may fill us either with confidence or with alarm. (Haydock)
We are astonished at the repeated infidelities of the Israelites. But if three millions of Christians were placed in the same circumstances, would they behave better? (Berthier)
