Exodus 15:9
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
Original Language Analysis
אֶרְדֹּ֥ף
I will pursue
H7291
אֶרְדֹּ֥ף
I will pursue
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
3 of 12
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
תִּמְלָאֵ֣מוֹ
shall be satisfied
H4390
תִּמְלָאֵ֣מוֹ
shall be satisfied
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
7 of 12
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
נַפְשִׁ֔י
my lust
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֔י
my lust
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אָרִ֣יק
upon them I will draw
H7324
אָרִ֣יק
upon them I will draw
Strong's:
H7324
Word #:
9 of 12
to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty
חַרְבִּ֔י
my sword
H2719
חַרְבִּ֔י
my sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
10 of 12
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
Cross References
Judges 5:30Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil?Exodus 14:5And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.Luke 11:22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.Genesis 49:27Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.Habakkuk 3:14Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.
Historical Context
This recounting of enemy boasting highlights the dramatic reversal—Egypt's confident plans met God's superior purposes. Quoting enemy intentions shows God's awareness and ultimate control.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'I will' declarations are you making in opposition to or independent of God's revealed will?
- How does pride in your abilities or plans blind you to the possibility that God might oppose them?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse quotes the enemy's boast: 'I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil.' Six boastful 'I wills' reveal human pride opposing God's purposes. The enemy's plan included recapturing Israel and 'my lust shall be satisfied upon them.' The statement 'I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them' shows confidence in military might. Pharaoh's arrogance blinds him to divine opposition. Pride precedes destruction.