In verses 52-55 the psalmist gives a succinct account of the exodus from Egypt, the journey through the wilderness, the entry into Canaan, and the settlement of the tribes in the conquered land.

In verse 52 like sheep and like a flock are rendered by Good News Translation by the single “like a shepard,” applying the figure to God. Three different verbs are used in verses 52a-b, 53a for “guide, lead, drive (like a flock).” Verse 53b refers to the crossing of the sea and the drowning of the Egyptians (see verse 13). In languages in which the herding of sheep is familiar, the figurative language in this verse will normally be clear. However, in many languages some recasting will be necessary. If possible the figure of sheep should be maintained. Where pastoral care of sheep is unknown, it may be better to shift to a different simile; for example, “he led his people out of Egypt like a chief and guided them through the desert.” It is also possible to drop the shepherd image and say, for example, “he led his people out of Egypt and guided them through the desert.”

The expression the sea overwhelmed or Good News Translation‘s “came rolling over” may not suggest in some languages that the enemies were actually drowned by the sea. Therefore it may be necessary to say, for example, “but the sea drowned their enemies” or “but their enemies were drowned in the sea.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .