What does Psalms 77:20 mean?
"Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." - Psalms 77:20

Psalms 77:20 (KJV): "Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron."
The book of Psalms is a collection of songs and prayers attributed to King David and others, expressing a range of human emotions and experiences in relationship to God. Psalm 77 in particular is a lament, expressing the distress and anguish of the psalmist as he searches for signs of God's presence in the midst of his suffering. The speaker in this psalm wrestles with doubt and despair, but ultimately finds hope in remembering God's past faithfulness to his people.
In verse 20, the psalmist recalls the way God "leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." This verse serves as a reminder of God's provision and guidance for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. It alludes to the Exodus story, when God delivered his people from bondage in Egypt and led them through the wilderness to the Promised Land.
The imagery of God leading his people "like a flock" conveys a sense of care, protection, and guidance. It evokes pastoral and shepherding imagery, with God taking on the role of a shepherd who leads and cares for his flock. This theme of God as Shepherd is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, symbolizing God's loving care and watchful guidance over his people.
The mention of Moses and Aaron in this verse is significant, as they were instrumental in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and guiding them through the wilderness. Moses, in particular, served as the primary leader and mediator between God and the people, receiving the Ten Commandments and instructing the Israelites on God's behalf. Aaron, as the high priest, assisted Moses in the religious and ceremonial aspects of leading the people.
The inclusion of Moses and Aaron in this verse serves as a reminder of God's use of human instruments in carrying out his purposes. It highlights the role of leadership and authority in guiding God's people, emphasizing the importance of faithful leaders who follow God's direction and seek the welfare of those under their care.
In a broader sense, this verse also points to the overarching theme of God's faithfulness. The psalmist reflects on the historical narrative of God's deliverance and guidance of the Israelites as a source of hope and assurance in the midst of his own personal struggles. By looking back on God's past actions, the psalmist finds comfort and confidence in the belief that God will continue to be faithful in the present and future.
The context of Psalm 77 is one of desperate longing for God's help and intervention. The psalmist is in distress, feeling abandoned and unheard by God. He wrestles with doubts about God's steadfast love and faithfulness. However, as the psalm progresses, the speaker shifts his focus from his own suffering to God's redemptive acts in the past. The mention of God's leading of the Israelites through the wilderness serves as a turning point in the psalm, leading the speaker to a place of renewed trust and confidence in God's faithfulness.
Ultimately, Psalm 77:20 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering love and care for his people. It serves as a source of encouragement for those who may find themselves in times of trial and suffering, reminding them to look to God's past faithfulness as a source of hope and strength. The imagery of God leading his people "like a flock" by the hand of Moses and Aaron conveys the themes of divine guidance, care, and provision, and serves as a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness throughout history.
Have questions about Psalms 77:20?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 77:20 Artwork
Psalms 77:20 - "Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron."
"Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." - Psalms 77:20
"I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times." - Psalms 77:5
Psalms 77:7 - "Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?"
"Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?" - Psalms 77:7
Psalms 77:5 - "I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times."
Psalms 77:8 - "Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?"
Psalms 77:3 - "I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah."
Psalms 77:18 - "The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook."
Psalms 77:11 - "I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."
Psalms 77:12 - "I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings."
"I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings." - Psalms 77:12
Psalms 77:15 - "Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah."
Psalms 77:13 - "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?"
Psalms 77:19 - "Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known."
"Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah." - Psalms 77:15
Psalms 77:14 - "Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people."
"Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?" - Psalms 77:13
Psalms 77:10 - "And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High."
Psalms 77:4 - "Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak."
Psalms 119:77 - "Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight."
Psalms 77:9 - "Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah."
Psalms 77:17 - "The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad."
Psalms 77:2 - "In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted."
"Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people." - Psalms 77:14
Psalms 77:16 - "The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled."
Psalms 77:6 - "I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search."
"The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad." - Psalms 77:17
Psalms 77:1 - "I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me."
Psalms 20 7