Psalms 77:20
Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The pairing of Moses and Aaron appears throughout the exodus narrative. Moses received God's word and communicated it to Pharaoh and Israel; Aaron assisted as spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16) and later served as high priest. Together they represented prophetic and priestly leadership—the word of God and the worship of God.
The shepherd image applied to Israel's leaders throughout Scripture. Moses is called the shepherd of God's people (Isaiah 63:11). David was taken from tending sheep to shepherd Israel (Psalm 78:70-72). The prophets condemned Israel's false shepherds (Ezekiel 34) and promised that God Himself would shepherd His people. Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10), fulfilling what Moses and Aaron could only foreshadow.
Ending with this verse provides pastoral comfort. The psalm began with Asaph's distress; it ends with remembrance of God's gentle leading. Whatever the present trouble, God remains the faithful shepherd who leads His flock through impossible paths to safety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the shepherd-flock imagery provide comfort after the dramatic sea-crossing imagery of verses 16-19?
- What is the relationship between God's direct leading and His use of human instruments like Moses and Aaron?
- How does remembering God's past leadership of Israel encourage faith in His present guidance?
- What does this psalm teach about moving from spiritual despair to renewed confidence?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. The psalm concludes with tender shepherd imagery, completing the movement from despair to confident memory. The God who walked through impossible waters also led His people with intimate, pastoral care.
"Thou leddest" (nachita, נָחִיתָ) uses nachah, meaning to guide, lead, or bring along. This verb appears in Psalm 23:2 ("He leadeth me beside the still waters") and Exodus 15:13 ("Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed"). The emphasis is on gentle guidance rather than forceful driving.
"Thy people like a flock" (ke'tzon ammekha, כְּצֹאן עַמֶּךָ) employs the shepherd-flock metaphor central to Israel's self-understanding (Psalms 74:1, 79:13, 95:7, 100:3). As sheep depend entirely on their shepherd for provision, protection, and direction, so Israel depended on Yahweh. The image conveys both vulnerability and security.
"By the hand of Moses and Aaron" (beyad-Moshe ve'Aharon, בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן) acknowledges human instruments of divine leadership. Moses as prophet and lawgiver, Aaron as priest—together they mediated God's guidance to Israel. The phrase "by the hand of" indicates agency: God led, but He led through designated servants. This models the pattern of divine action through human instruments that continues in the church.