You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. You ledThe Hebrew root for "led" is "nahal," which conveys the idea of guiding or leading with care and purpose. In the context of Psalm 77, this word emphasizes God's active role in directing His people. Historically, this leadership is not just a physical guidance but a spiritual and moral one, reflecting God's sovereignty and intimate involvement in the lives of the Israelites. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant people, leading them through trials and triumphs. Your people
The phrase "Your people" refers to the Israelites, God's chosen nation. This designation underscores the special relationship between God and Israel, a relationship established through the Abrahamic covenant. It highlights the collective identity of the Israelites as a community bound by faith and divine promise. In a broader theological sense, it also points to the Church as the people of God, called to follow His guidance and live according to His will. like a flock
The imagery of a flock is rich with pastoral connotations, suggesting care, protection, and provision. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a shepherd was responsible for the well-being of the sheep, leading them to pastures and protecting them from harm. This metaphor illustrates God's nurturing and protective nature, emphasizing His role as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and is intimately involved in their lives. It is a comforting image that reassures believers of God's constant presence and guidance. by the hand of Moses and Aaron
Moses and Aaron are central figures in the Exodus narrative, representing God's chosen leaders to deliver His people from bondage in Egypt. The phrase "by the hand of" indicates that Moses and Aaron were instruments of God's will, acting under His authority and direction. Historically, this highlights the importance of divinely appointed leadership in fulfilling God's purposes. Moses, as the lawgiver, and Aaron, as the high priest, symbolize the roles of governance and spiritual leadership, essential for guiding the people in accordance with God's commands. This phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of faithful leadership in the community of believers, pointing to Christ as the ultimate leader and high priest. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. He is often seen as a type of Christ, a deliverer and lawgiver. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses, Aaron served as the first high priest of Israel. He played a crucial role in assisting Moses and leading the people in worship and sacrifices. 3. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, whom He delivered from slavery in Egypt. Their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a significant event in biblical history. 4. The ExodusThe event of God delivering the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, led by Moses and Aaron. It is a foundational account of redemption and God's faithfulness. 5. The Wilderness JourneyThe period of 40 years when the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the Promised Land. It was a time of testing, learning, and reliance on God. Teaching Points God's Faithful LeadershipJust as God led the Israelites through Moses and Aaron, He continues to lead His people today. We can trust in His guidance and provision. The Role of Godly LeadersMoses and Aaron exemplify the importance of godly leadership. In our communities and churches, we should seek leaders who follow God's direction and shepherd His people faithfully. Following the ShepherdAs believers, we are called to follow Christ, our Good Shepherd. This involves listening to His voice, trusting His path, and relying on His care. Remembering God's Past FaithfulnessReflecting on how God has led His people in the past can strengthen our faith and encourage us to trust Him in our current circumstances. Community and UnityThe imagery of a flock emphasizes the importance of community and unity among believers. We are called to support and encourage one another as we follow God's lead. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the leadership of Moses and Aaron in the Exodus account inspire your understanding of godly leadership today? 2. In what ways can you see God's guidance in your life, similar to how He led the Israelites like a flock? 3. How does the concept of Jesus as the Good Shepherd enhance your understanding of Psalm 77:20? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you in your current walk with Him? 5. How can you contribute to fostering unity and community within your church or small group, following the example of the Israelites as a flock? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14This chapter describes the crossing of the Red Sea, where God led the Israelites through Moses and Aaron, demonstrating His power and guidance. Numbers 27:18-23This passage highlights the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership in guiding God's people. John 10:11-14Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, drawing a parallel to God leading His people like a flock, as seen in Psalm 77:20. Hebrews 3:1-6This passage compares Moses' faithfulness in God's house to that of Christ, who is greater, reinforcing the theme of divine leadership. People Aaron, Asaph, Jacob, Jeduthun, Joseph, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Aaron, Asaph, Flock, Guiding, Hast, Lead, Led, Leddest, Maschil, PsalmDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 77:20 5103 Moses, significance
5630 work, divine and human
6634 deliverance
7021 church, OT anticipations
7130 flock, God's
7785 shepherd, occupation
7786 shepherd, king and leader Psalm 77:10-20 8724 doubt, dealing with Psalm 77:14-20 1315 God, as redeemer Psalm 77:19-20 1320 God, as Saviour Library June the Eleventh the Path Across the Sea
"Thy way is in the sea." --PSALM lxxvii. 11-20. And the sea appears to be the most trackless of worlds! The sea is the very symbol of mystery, the grim dwelling-house of innumerable things that have been lost. But God's way moves here and there across this trackless wild. God is never lost among our mysteries. He knows his way about. When we are bewildered He sees the road, and He sees the end even from the beginning. Even the sea, in every part of it, is the Lord's highway. When His way is in …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearA Question for a Questioner
The question which makes our text is meant to end other questions. You may carry truth as far as ever you like, and it will always be truth. Truth is like those crystals which, when split up into the smallest possible fragments, still retain their natural form. You may break truth in pieces, you may do what you like with it, and it is truth throughout; but error is diverse within itself, and evermore bears its own death within itself. You can see its falsehood even in its own light. Bring it forward, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885 Ere Another Step I Take
"I commune with mine own heart." -- Psalm 77:6. Ere another step I take In my wilful wandering way, Still I have a choice to make -- Shall I alter while I may? Patient love is waiting still In my Savior's heart for me; Love to bend my froward will, Love to make me really free. Far from Him, what can I gain? Want and shame, and bondage vile -- Better far to bear the pain Of His yoke a little while. Soon I might its comfort find; Soon my thankful heart might cry, "In Thy meek obedient mind, As …
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations Despondency Self-Corrected. --Ps. Lxxvii.
Despondency Self-Corrected.--Ps. lxxvii. In time of tribulation, Hear, Lord, my feeble cries, With humble supplication To Thee my spirit flies: My heart with grief is breaking, Scarce can my voice complain; Mine eyes, with tears kept waking, Still watch and weep in vain. The days of old, in vision, Bring vanish'd bliss to view; The years of lost fruition Their joys in pangs renew; Remember'd songs of gladness, Through night's lone silence brought, Strike notes of deeper sadness, And stir desponding …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns A Path in the Sea
'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture How the Whole and the Sick are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 13.) Differently to be admonished are the whole and the sick. For the whole are to be admonished that they employ the health of the body to the health of the soul: lest, if they turn the grace of granted soundness to the use of iniquity, they be made worse by the gift, and afterwards merit the severer punishments, in that they fear not now to use amiss the more bountiful gifts of God. The whole are to be admonished that they despise not the opportunity of winning health for ever. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Letter iii (A. D. 1131) to Bruno, Archbishop Elect of Cologne
To Bruno, [8] Archbishop Elect of Cologne Bernard having been consulted by Bruno as to whether he ought to accept the See of Cologne, so replies as to hold him in suspense, and render him in awe of the burden of so great a charge. He advises him to seek counsel of God in prayer. 1. You seek counsel from me, most illustrious Bruno, as to whether you ought to accept the Episcopate, to which it is desired to advance you. What mortal can presume to decide this for you? If God calls you, who can dare …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Letter Xlii to the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey De Perrone, and his Comrades.
To the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey de Perrone, and His Comrades. He pronounces the youths noble because they purpose to lead the religious life, and exhorts them to perseverance. To his beloved sons, Geoffrey and his companions, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, wishes the spirit of counsel and strength. 1. The news of your conversion that has got abroad is edifying many, nay, is making glad the whole Church of God, so that The heavens rejoice and the earth is glad (Ps. xcvi. 11), and every tongue …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He Associates with Malchus
[Sidenote: 1095.] 1. Our Malachy, born in Ireland,[134] of a barbarous people, was brought up there, and there received his education. But from the barbarism of his birth he contracted no taint, any more than the fishes of the sea from their native salt. But how delightful to reflect, that uncultured barbarism should have produced for us so worthy[135] a fellow-citizen with the saints and member of the household of God.[136] He who brings honey out of the rock and oil out of the flinty rock[137] …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
1. A brief recapitulation of the leading points of the whole discussion. The scope of this chapter. The necessity of the doctrine of faith. This doctrine obscured by the Schoolmen, who make God the object of faith, without referring to Christ. The Schoolmen refuted by various passages. 2. The dogma of implicit faith refuted. It destroys faith, which consists in a knowledge of the divine will. What this will is, and how necessary the knowledge of it. 3. Many things are and will continue to be implicitly …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 77:20 NIVPsalm 77:20 NLTPsalm 77:20 ESVPsalm 77:20 NASBPsalm 77:20 KJV
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