Deuteronomy Chapter 11 · Verse 4
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;
Original Language Analysis
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂה֩
And what he did
H6213
עָשָׂה֩
And what he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְחֵ֨יל
unto the army
H2428
לְחֵ֨יל
unto the army
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
3 of 21
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וּלְרִכְבּ֗וֹ
and to their chariots
H7393
וּלְרִכְבּ֗וֹ
and to their chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
6 of 21
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵ֤י
how he made the water
H4325
מֵ֤י
how he made the water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
10 of 21
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
יַם
sea
H3220
יַם
sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
11 of 21
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
them
H6440
פְּנֵיהֶ֔ם
them
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
14 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בְּרָדְפָ֖ם
as they pursued
H7291
בְּרָדְפָ֖ם
as they pursued
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
15 of 21
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַֽחֲרֵיכֶ֑ם
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵיכֶ֑ם
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וַיְאַבְּדֵ֣ם
hath destroyed
H6
וַיְאַבְּדֵ֣ם
hath destroyed
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
יְהוָ֔ה
you and how the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
you and how the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
18 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
19 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
Exodus 14-15 records this climactic event. Archaeological evidence shows Egypt's 18th-19th dynasty military power declined significantly after this period, never again dominating Canaan as before. The Red Sea victory became Israel's defining salvation event, referenced throughout Scripture as proof of God's redemptive power (Psalms 78, 106, 136; Isaiah 43:16-17). It became the Old Testament parallel to Christ's resurrection—the decisive victory over the enemy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the finality of God's victory over our spiritual enemies (sin, death, Satan) mirror Egypt's permanent defeat?
- What 'Red Sea moments' in your spiritual journey have witnessed God's decisive deliverance?
- Why is it important to remember that God doesn't just weaken enemies but destroys them completely?
Analysis & Commentary
The destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea (Yam Suph, יַם־סוּף) represents the definitive defeat of Israel's oppressors. The phrase 'made the water of the Red sea to overflow them' uses vivid Hebrew imagery of waters covering and destroying. This wasn't drowning by misadventure but divine execution—Yahweh wielded the sea as His weapon. The concluding 'the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day' emphasizes the permanent nature of Egypt's defeat—they never recovered enough military strength to threaten Israel again. This complete victory demonstrates God's ability to utterly destroy His people's enemies, providing assurance for future conflicts.