2. Submissive (v. 3). The verb know means “to know by experience.” It also carries the meaning of “acknowledge.” What we have experienced in our hearts we openly confess to others and bear witness of our glorious God. (See 1 Kings 18:39.) The phrase “made us” means much more than “He created us,” for He also created the nations that do not know Him. It means “Jehovah constituted us as a nation, His chosen people.” (See 95:6-7; 149:2; Deut. 32:6, 15; Isa. 29:23; 60:21.) The phrase “not we ourselves” can also be translated “and we are his.” This connects with the next statement, “We are his people …” (see Isa. 43:1). The image of God’s people as a flock of sheep is frequently found in Scripture (74:1; 77:20; 78:52; 79:13; 80:1; 95:7; Gen. 48:15; 49:24; Num. 27:17; Isa. 40:11; John 10; 21:16-17; Heb. 13:20-21; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:1-4). This verse is a simple statement of faith: Jehovah is God, Creator, Redeemer, and Shepherd, and we are submitted to Him. If the sheep do not submit to their shepherd, they will stray into danger.