Exodus 15:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The enemy {H341} said {H559}, I will pursue {H7291}, I will overtake {H5381}, I will divide {H2505} the spoil {H7998}; my lust {H5315} shall be satisfied {H4390} upon them; I will draw {H7324} my sword {H2719}, my hand {H3027} shall destroy {H3423} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The enemy said, 'I will pursue and overtake, divide the spoil and gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.'

Berean Standard Bible

The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’

American Standard Version

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:9 captures the arrogant and malicious internal monologue of the Egyptian forces as they relentlessly pursued the Israelites into the Red Sea, just moments before their cataclysmic destruction. This verse vividly portrays the enemy's self-assured plans for swift pursuit, certain conquest, ruthless plunder, and total annihilation, revealing their deep-seated desires for vengeance and absolute domination. It serves as a stark and dramatic prelude to God's decisive and overwhelming intervention, highlighting the profound and eternal contrast between human hubris and the unstoppable, sovereign power of the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 15:9 is strategically placed within the magnificent "Song of the Sea" (Exodus 15:1-18), a triumphal hymn sung by Moses and the Israelites immediately following their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea and the subsequent drowning of Pharaoh's army. This song is a profound declaration of Yahweh's unparalleled power and His decisive victory over Egypt. Verse 9 functions as a dramatic and chilling interlude, providing a direct glimpse into the enemy's confident, malicious intentions just before their catastrophic and unexpected defeat. It serves to heighten the tension and to underscore the divine irony: the enemy's boasts were mere empty words against the omnipotent will of God. This internal monologue sets the stage for the glorious declaration of God's might in the verses that immediately follow (Exodus 15:10-12), emphasizing that the enemy's anticipated triumph was utterly nullified by a single breath of divine power. The song then transitions to Israel's future hope and God's faithfulness in leading them to His holy dwelling, further cementing the theme of divine provision and protection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Exodus 15:9 is the climactic moment of the Exodus narrative, where the mightiest empire of the ancient world, Egypt, with its formidable chariotry and military prowess, was utterly humiliated by the God of a newly freed slave nation. In the ancient Near East, military campaigns were driven by the desire for conquest, the acquisition of plunder, and the complete subjugation of enemies, often accompanied by public boasts of invincibility and the display of captured spoils. Pharaoh, considered a divine king and the embodiment of national power, would have been seen as the epitome of human authority and military might. The Egyptians' pursuit was not merely a strategic maneuver but was fueled by a deep-seated desire for vengeance, the recovery of their lost labor force, and the restoration of their national honor. This verse perfectly captures the typical mindset of conquering armies, anticipating the rich spoils of war and the complete destruction of their adversaries, making their subsequent, swift, and total demise all the more shocking and demonstrative of Yahweh's unique and absolute power over all human and cosmic forces.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** versus **Human Hubris**. The enemy's arrogant "I will" statements are directly contrasted with God's ultimate control, demonstrating that no human plan, however meticulously conceived or confidently declared, can thwart the divine will. This is a foundational truth echoed throughout Scripture, from the Tower of Babel in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel") to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Redemption and Deliverance**. The enemy's intent to destroy Israel only serves to magnify the miraculous nature of God's salvation, emphasizing that Israel's freedom was not by their might but by divine intervention. This foreshadows the greater redemption found in Christ, where God delivers His people from a far greater enemy. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of **God's Justice and Judgment**. The Egyptians' malevolent intentions justify the swift and decisive judgment meted out by God, illustrating that God sees and responds to the wickedness of those who oppose His purposes and harm His people. This divine justice is a consistent motif, seen in God's judgments against wickedness throughout the Old Testament and culminating in the final judgment described in [Revelation 20](/revelation/20 "Revelation 20 - The Final Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enemy (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** This term (H341) is an active participle meaning "hating" or "an adversary." In this context, it specifically denotes the Egyptian army and, by extension, Pharaoh himself, who embodies the ultimate opposition to God's redemptive plan for Israel. The use of "enemy" here universalizes the struggle, portraying it as a conflict between God's people and those who stand against His purposes, a theme recurrent throughout Scripture. It signifies not just a military opponent, but one driven by hostility and malice.
* **Lust (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** While translated as "lust" in the KJV, the Hebrew word _nephesh_ (H5315), with the first-person singular suffix, literally means "my soul," "my life," "my appetite," or "my desire." In this context, it signifies a deep, ravenous, and all-consuming craving for vengeance, domination, and the complete satisfaction derived from the destruction of the enemy. It is not merely a superficial desire but a profound, internal drive for ultimate gratification at the expense of Israel's suffering and annihilation, indicating a malevolent satisfaction in their demise.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) is a primitive root meaning "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin." In this context, it implies not merely killing but utterly defeating, disinheriting, and taking complete control over. The enemy's intention was to utterly subjugate Israel, to strip them of their freedom and very existence, and to claim them as their own, demonstrating the totality of their malevolent ambition to re-enslave and obliterate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The enemy said,"**: This phrase introduces the internal resolve and arrogant presumption of the Egyptian forces. It's not necessarily an audible declaration but a revelation of their inner thoughts, plans, and intentions, known fully by God. It highlights their overconfidence and self-reliance, oblivious to the divine power they were about to confront, showcasing their profound spiritual blindness.
* **"I will pursue, I will overtake,"**: These are the initial, confident steps of their strategy. "Pursue" (H7291, _râdaph'_) indicates their relentless chase, often with hostile intent, while "overtake" (H5381, _nâsag'_) signifies their certainty of catching up to the seemingly vulnerable Israelites, demonstrating their perceived military superiority and the inevitability of their success. These verbs convey a sense of unstoppable momentum and assured victory from their perspective.
* **"I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them;"**: This reveals the enemy's primary motivations: greed and a deep-seated desire for personal gratification through the suffering of others. "Divide the spoil" (H2505, _châlaq'_, and H7998, _shâlâl'_) speaks of the anticipated plunder—the wealth and possessions of the Israelites, a common outcome of ancient warfare. "My lust (H5315, _nephesh'_) shall be satisfied (H4390, _mâlêʼ'_) upon them" conveys a profound, almost visceral craving for vengeance and complete dominance, finding perverse pleasure in the subjugation and destruction of their adversaries. This is a desire for total, malevolent fulfillment.
* **"I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them."**: These final clauses articulate the violent and decisive actions the enemy intended to take. "Draw my sword" (H7324, _rûwq'_, and H2719, _chereb'_) signifies the readiness for battle and the intent to engage in lethal combat, a direct threat of physical violence. "My hand (H3027, _yâd'_) shall destroy (H3423, _yârash'_) them" expresses their ultimate goal: the complete and utter annihilation of the Israelites, asserting their perceived power and control over life and death, and their intent to re-establish their dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and theological message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the anaphora of "I will" (אֶרְדֹּף, אֹשִּׂיג, אֲחַלֵּק, תִּמְלָא, אָרִיק, תּוֹרִישֵׁמוֹ). This repeated declaration from the enemy underscores their extreme **Hubris** and self-reliance, painting a vivid picture of their arrogant confidence and their belief in their own invincibility. It creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality that emphasizes the enemy's unwavering, yet ultimately futile, resolve. There is also strong **Dramatic Irony** at play; the audience, both then and now, knows the tragic fate awaiting the Egyptians, making their confident boasts tragically ironic and highlighting the futility of human plans against divine will. The phrase "my hand shall destroy them" employs **Synecdoche**, where "hand" represents the full power and agency of the enemy, emphasizing their intent for total destruction, rather than just the literal appendage. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Contrast** to the subsequent verses, particularly [Exodus 15:10](/exodus/15-10 "Exodus 15:10 - God's Breath Destroys the Enemy"), where God's actions decisively nullify every one of the enemy's boasts, turning their anticipated triumph into their crushing and immediate defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:9 powerfully illustrates the theological principle of divine sovereignty triumphing over human arrogance and malicious intent. It reveals that God is not only aware of the visible actions of His adversaries but also privy to their deepest, most hidden thoughts and malevolent plans. The enemy’s confident "I will" statements, brimming with self-assured power and destructive ambition, are set against the backdrop of God's ultimate control, demonstrating that no human scheme, however formidable or self-assured, can thwart His purposes. This verse underscores the biblical theme that pride precedes destruction, and that those who exalt themselves against God will inevitably be brought low, serving as a timeless reminder of the futility of opposing the Almighty and the certainty of His triumph for His people.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "The Lord Foils the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 14:27](/isaiah/14-27 "For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:9 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. It reminds us that even when faced with overwhelming opposition—whether from spiritual forces, societal pressures, or personal adversaries—God is intimately aware of every plan and intention arrayed against us. The enemy's confident boasts, though terrifying in their intent, were ultimately impotent against God's power. This should instill in us a deep sense of peace and assurance, knowing that our God sees, knows, and acts on behalf of His people, even when we are unaware of the hidden schemes against us. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, guarding against the subtle creep of pride and self-reliance, recognizing that true strength lies not in our own abilities or declarations, but in humble dependence on the Lord. When we encounter opposition, this verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He can turn the enemy's most confident plans into their undoing, securing our deliverance and demonstrating His glory for all to see.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the enemy's "I will" mentality in Exodus 15:9 challenge or affirm your understanding of human will versus divine sovereignty in your own life and in the world today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or plans, similar to the enemy's boasts, instead of trusting in God's provision and protection?**
* **What comfort and assurance does it bring you to know that God is fully aware of the hidden intentions and schemes of any adversary you might face, whether spiritual or physical, and that He holds ultimate power?**

### FAQ
**What does "my lust shall be satisfied upon them" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Exodus 15:9, the phrase "my lust shall be satisfied upon them" (Hebrew: _nafshi timla'em_) means that the enemy's deepest, most intense desire—their "soul" or "appetite"—would be completely fulfilled through the destruction and subjugation of the Israelites. It signifies a profound, almost visceral craving for vengeance, domination, and the complete gratification derived from the suffering and annihilation of their adversaries. This is not primarily about sexual lust, but a ravenous, malevolent desire for total victory and the satisfaction of their hatred and greed, finding perverse pleasure in the complete undoing of their foes. It speaks to a deep, internal, and malevolent satisfaction that they anticipated receiving from the Israelites' suffering and ultimate demise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:9, with its vivid depiction of the enemy's arrogant boasts and their subsequent, utterly devastating defeat, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Pharaoh, the quintessential enemy of Israel and God's redemptive plan, declared his intent to pursue, overtake, and destroy, so too did the ultimate spiritual enemy—Satan—believe he had triumphed at the cross. The powers of darkness, filled with their own "I will" declarations of dominion over humanity through sin and death, sought to hold creation captive. However, Christ's crucifixion, which appeared to be the enemy's greatest victory, was in fact the strategic point of their decisive and eternal defeat. On the cross, Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil (as revealed in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrew/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")), satisfying God's righteous wrath against sin and securing eternal deliverance for His people. Thus, the empty boasts of the enemy in [Exodus 15:9](/exodus/15-9 "Exodus 15:9 - The Enemy's Boast") foreshadow the ultimate futility of all spiritual opposition against the sovereign plan of God, realized definitively in Christ's resurrection and His ongoing reign as Victor over sin, death, and the grave (a victory celebrated in [Revelation 12:10-11](/revelation/12-10-11 "Revelation 12:10-11 - The Accuser Cast Down")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 5:30

Have 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 14:5

And 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 53:12

Therefore 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 11:22

But 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.

Habakkuk 3:14

Thou 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.

Genesis 49:27

Benjamin shall ravin [as] a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

Exodus 14:8

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.