Deuteronomy 11:4

Authorized King James Version

And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
עָשָׂה֩
And what he did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
לְחֵ֨יל
unto the army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#4
מִצְרַ֜יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#5
לְסוּסָ֣יו
unto their horses
a horse (as leaping)
#6
וּלְרִכְבּ֗וֹ
and to their chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#7
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
הֵצִ֜יף
to overflow
to overflow
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
מֵ֤י
how he made the water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
יַם
sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#12
סוּף֙
of the Red
a reed, especially the papyrus
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
פְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
them
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
בְּרָדְפָ֖ם
as they pursued
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#16
אַֽחֲרֵיכֶ֑ם
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#17
וַיְאַבְּדֵ֣ם
H6
hath destroyed
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#18
יְהוָ֔ה
you and how the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#19
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#20
הַיּ֥וֹם
them unto this day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#21
הַזֶּֽה׃
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Deuteronomy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Deuteronomy.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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