And he led them on safely, so that they feared not (comp. Exodus 14:13-22 ). At Pi-hahiroth they "were sore afraid" ( Exodus 14:10 ), but after Moses had exhorted them ( Psalms 78:13 ), they showed no more signs of fear. But the sea overwhelmed their enemies ( Exodus 14:26-31 ; Exodus 15:1 , Exodus 15:4 , Exodus 15:10 ). read more
And he brought them to the Border of his sanctuary. The "sanctuary" is here probably the Holy Land, as in Exodus 15:17 ; or we may translate גבוּל קדשׁוֹ "his holy territory." Even to this mountain. Mount Zion, on which the writer regards himself as standing while his words are chanted in the temple service. Which his right hand had purchased; or, had gotten, "had won." God's right hand won the whole land for his people. read more
But made his own people to go forth like sheep ... - That is, he was a shepherd to them. He defended them; provided for them; led them - as a shepherd does his flock. See the notes at Psalms 23:1-2. read more
And he led them on safely, so that they feared not - In hope; in confidence; so that they had no occasion for alarm. He showed himself able and willing to defend them.But the sea overwhelmed their enemies - Margin, as in Hebrew, covered. See Exodus 14:27-28; Exodus 15:10. read more
And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, “to the mountain of his holiness”; that is, his holy mountain. But the reference is rather to the whole land of Canaan. He brought them to the borders of that land - the land of promise - the holy land. They who came out from Egypt did not indeed enter that land, except Caleb and Joshua, but they were conveyed to its borders before all of them fell. It was true also that the people - the... read more
Psalms 78:52-54. But made his own people go out like sheep Distinguishing between them and the Egyptians, as a shepherd divideth between the sheep and the goats, having set his own mark upon these sheep, by the blood of the Lamb sprinkled on their door-posts. And they went forth as sheep, not knowing whither they went. And guided them in the wilderness As a shepherd guides his flock, with all possible care and tenderness. And he led them on safely Though in dangerous paths; so that... read more
Psalms 78:0 Lessons from historyBeing a true teacher, the psalmist is concerned for the spiritual condition of his people. His present intention is to comment on events in the history of Israel so that people of future generations may take heed (1-4). God gave his law to his people to guide them. The record of his faithfulness will be an encouragement, the record of Israel’s failures a warning (5-8).The first reminder is of the stubbornness of the tribe of Ephraim in one of Israel’s early... read more
wilderness. Compare Isaiah 63:11-14 . read more
led = gently led. compare verses: Psalms 78:13-16 . overwhelmed. Compare Exodus 14:27 ; Exodus 15:10 . read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 78:52
But made his own people to go forth like sheep (comp. Psalms 77:20 ; Psalms 95:7 ). And guided them in the wilderness like a flock. The guidance began from Succoth, and was effected by means of the pillar of the cloud and the pillar of fire (see Exodus 13:20-22 ). read more