Psalm 78 52

Psalm 78:52 kjv

But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

Psalm 78:52 nkjv

But He made His own people go forth like sheep, And guided them in the wilderness like a flock;

Psalm 78:52 niv

But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness.

Psalm 78:52 esv

Then he led out his people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

Psalm 78:52 nlt

But he led his own people like a flock of sheep,
guiding them safely through the wilderness.

Psalm 78 verses

Psalm 78 52 Meaning

Psalm 78:52 portrays God as the divine Shepherd, leading His chosen people, Israel, out of bondage in Egypt. It emphasizes His sovereign act of distinction and deliverance, demonstrating His meticulous care and guidance for His vulnerable people as they traversed the dangerous wilderness, illustrating their complete reliance upon Him.

Psalm 78 52 Context

Psalm 78 is a historical psalm, serving as an admonition and instruction. It recounts the history of Israel from the Exodus to the reign of David, highlighting God's faithfulness despite Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry. Verses 43-51 detail the plagues inflicted upon Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn. Verse 52 immediately follows this, showcasing the sharp contrast: God’s destructive judgment on Egypt, His enemies, is paralleled with His compassionate and redemptive deliverance of His chosen people. The "wilderness" context points to the arduous journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, where survival was entirely dependent on divine intervention. This psalm intends to teach future generations about God's steadfast character and the consequences of disobedience, urging them to remember His works and remain loyal. Culturally, the imagery of a shepherd and flock was profound, conveying ideas of protection, provision, guidance, and intimacy between a leader and those under his care, directly refuting the impotence of Egyptian deities to protect their own people.

Psalm 78 52 Word analysis

• But: This adversative conjunction highlights the stark contrast between God's devastating judgment upon Egypt in the preceding verses (Ps 78:43-51) and His gracious, salvific action towards His people, Israel. It underscores divine distinction and purpose.
• made his own people go forth: The Hebrew term wayyaššac (from nāsaʿ – נָסַע) signifies active initiation, departure, or a march. It implies God’s decisive and sovereign command for His people to leave. "His own people" (‘ammô – עַמּוֹ) emphasizes their unique status as a chosen nation, set apart by covenant for Him. This points to God’s ownership and special relationship with Israel, distinguishing them from all other nations.
• like sheep: The Hebrew kaṣṣoʾn (כַּצֹּאן) compares the vast multitude of Israelites to a flock of sheep. Sheep are inherently vulnerable, dependent, and prone to wandering without a leader. This imagery conveys their helpless state, vast number, and complete reliance on God's provision and protection. It suggests a non-aggressive, orderly exodus.
• and guided them: The verb waynaggēm (from nāhag – נָהַג) means to lead, drive, or conduct. This signifies a purposeful, active, and personal leadership by God. It wasn't a haphazard wandering but a directed journey, implying both care and discipline in their progression. This guidance was continuous and deliberate throughout their journey.
• in the wilderness: The Hebrew bammidbār (בַּמִּדְבָּר) refers to a harsh, arid, and desolate environment. This emphasizes the miraculous nature of Israel's survival and growth outside the usual means of sustenance. It highlights God's supernatural power and provision where human effort would fail.
• like a flock: The Hebrew kāʿēder (כָעֵדֶר) reiterates and reinforces the previous "like sheep" imagery. While ṣoʾn often refers to individual sheep, ʿēder more specifically denotes an organized grouping, a well-defined company or herd, emphasizing their collective movement under careful supervision. This dual imagery highlights both the dependency of the individuals and the collective orderly progression guided by the Shepherd.

• "made his own people go forth like sheep": This phrase encapsulates God's intentional act of redemption. It wasn't an escape but a divine leading. The "sheep" imagery vividly portrays their immense number, their inherent weakness, and their total reliance on God, their Shepherd, for safe passage from bondage.
• "and guided them in the wilderness like a flock": This clause elaborates on God's sustained, active shepherding through the most perilous conditions. The wilderness underscores the necessity of His direct, miraculous intervention for their survival, while "like a flock" reinforces the order, unity, and safety achieved through His precise direction. This continuous guidance transformed a journey through a desolate land into a testament of His faithfulness and power.

Psalm 78 52 Bonus section

This verse stands as a powerful didactic point within Psalm 78, designed to teach future generations about God's character and their ancestors' failings. It vividly contrasts God's righteous judgment on the disobedient with His tender care for His covenant people. The Exodus, represented here, serves as the quintessential Old Testament act of salvation, establishing the identity of Israel and demonstrating God's uniqueness against the backdrop of impotent pagan deities. The Egyptians worshipped various gods associated with fertility, the Nile, and protection, yet none could prevent God's judgment or secure the safe passage of their own people. In contrast, the God of Israel demonstrated absolute power over nature and life, distinguishing His people and leading them unharmed. This shepherd motif transcends the Exodus, illustrating God's constant presence and guidance for His people throughout all their earthly pilgrimages, pointing forward to the ultimate Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who perfectly guides His Church through the "wilderness" of this world towards an eternal Promised Land (Heb 4:9, 1 Pet 2:25).

Psalm 78 52 Commentary

Psalm 78:52 is a poignant summary of God’s sovereign grace and redemptive power at the Exodus. Following the devastation wrought upon Egypt, God singles out Israel, His "own people," leading them forth not as warriors, but "like sheep"—a vulnerable, dependent multitude—out of certain death into His care. The image of the "Good Shepherd" is powerfully prefigured here: God Himself takes on the role of Guide and Protector, steering His chosen ones through the barren and perilous "wilderness." This was not a passive journey; He actively "guided them," demonstrating His meticulous attention, provision, and control over their every step. The repetition of "like sheep" and "like a flock" emphasizes Israel’s utter dependency and God’s constant, unfailing, and organized leadership in a way that defied all natural odds. This verse underscores the foundational truth of God’s faithful covenant with His people and His willingness to provide miraculously even in impossible circumstances, ultimately pointing to Christ, the Great Shepherd who perfectly fulfills this divine role.