God tenderly leads His people from places of bondage to places of freedom, demonstrating that His guidance and presence are constant and sure.
“You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (v.20)
In Psalm 77, the psalmist Asaph reflects on God’s mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, and in verse 20 he proclaims, “You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (v.20) It is a striking image of God as a shepherd who tenderly guides His people, making use of His chosen leaders. Moses and Aaron were two highly significant figures in Israel’s history. Moses (c. 1526-1406 BC) was raised in Egypt, and famously encountered God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-10). Through Moses, God delivered Israel from bondage under Pharaoh (Exodus 14:29). Aaron, believed to be Moses’ older brother, served as Israel’s first high priest (Exodus 28:1). Both of them were critical in the events of the Exodus, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the wilderness journey. The psalmist’s words conjure the thorny desert paths of Sinai and the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea, underscoring that God guided Israel every step of the way.
“You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (v.20) also looks forward to the way Jesus refers to Himself as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). Just as God used Moses and Aaron’s hands to deliver Israel, Jesus promises to guide and protect believers of every nation who put their trust in Him. The Israelites’ dependence on Moses and Aaron parallels our own dependence on the saving work of Christ for deliverance from sin. Through countless generations, this same God continues to lead His flock, emphasizing His unfailing power and compassion toward His people.
God faithfully shepherds His people by sovereignly choosing and equipping human leaders, and ultimately through Jesus Christ, the perfect Shepherd.
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Psalms 77:20 meaning
“You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (v.20)
In Psalm 77, the psalmist Asaph reflects on God’s mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, and in verse 20 he proclaims, “You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (v.20) It is a striking image of God as a shepherd who tenderly guides His people, making use of His chosen leaders. Moses and Aaron were two highly significant figures in Israel’s history. Moses (c. 1526-1406 BC) was raised in Egypt, and famously encountered God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-10). Through Moses, God delivered Israel from bondage under Pharaoh (Exodus 14:29). Aaron, believed to be Moses’ older brother, served as Israel’s first high priest (Exodus 28:1). Both of them were critical in the events of the Exodus, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the wilderness journey. The psalmist’s words conjure the thorny desert paths of Sinai and the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea, underscoring that God guided Israel every step of the way.
“You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (v.20) also looks forward to the way Jesus refers to Himself as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). Just as God used Moses and Aaron’s hands to deliver Israel, Jesus promises to guide and protect believers of every nation who put their trust in Him. The Israelites’ dependence on Moses and Aaron parallels our own dependence on the saving work of Christ for deliverance from sin. Through countless generations, this same God continues to lead His flock, emphasizing His unfailing power and compassion toward His people.
God faithfully shepherds His people by sovereignly choosing and equipping human leaders, and ultimately through Jesus Christ, the perfect Shepherd.