Psalms 106:11
And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְכַסּוּ
covered
H3680
וַיְכַסּוּ
covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
מַ֥יִם
And the waters
H4325
מַ֥יִם
And the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
2 of 7
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
אֶחָ֥ד
there was not one
H259
אֶחָ֥ד
there was not one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Historical Context
Pharaoh's army represented the world's most powerful military force in that era. Their complete destruction demonstrated that no earthly power can withstand God's judgment or prevent His redemptive purposes. Israel witnessed their former oppressors' bodies washed ashore (Exodus 14:30), providing visible confirmation of total victory. This became a recurring theme in Israel's worship: the God who drowned Pharaoh's army can defeat any enemy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the total destruction of Israel's pursuers teach about God's commitment to His people?
- How does this verse prefigure the final defeat of all God's enemies?
- In what ways does God's past deliverance give confidence for present and future spiritual battles?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes the drowning of Pharaoh's army. 'The waters covered their enemies' refers to the sea returning after Israel crossed (Exodus 14:26-28). 'There was not one of them left' emphasizes total destruction—Egypt's military power was completely annihilated. This demonstrates divine justice: those who pursued God's people to destroy them were themselves destroyed. The totality of judgment ('not one') shows God's thorough protection of His redeemed. This prefigures the final judgment, when all enemies of God's people will be definitively defeated (Revelation 19:11-21). It also illustrates substitutionary atonement: the judgment that could have fallen on rebellious Israel fell instead on their pursuers, just as Christ bore the judgment believers deserved.