He “guided them in the wilderness like a flock.”

The Psalmist describes the LORD’S care for His people under the figure of a shepherd and his sheep.

But He led forth His own people like sheep And guided them in the wilderness like a flock;  He led them safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea engulfed their enemies.  So He brought them to His holy land, To this hill country which His right hand had gained. (Psalm 78:52-54 NAU)

Shepherds south of Avedat in the Wilderness of Zin. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The photo above was made a few miles south of Avedat, Israel, in the Wilderness of Zin. The Israelites lived in this wilderness (or desert) prior to entry into the land that the LORD promised to the seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:7).