Nehemiah 9:11

KJV

And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou didst divide {H1234} the sea {H3220} before {H6440} them, so that they went through {H5674} the midst {H8432} of the sea {H3220} on the dry land {H3004}; and their persecutors {H7291} thou threwest {H7993} into the deeps {H4688}, as a stone {H68} into the mighty {H5794} waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You divided the sea ahead of them, so that they could pass through the sea on dry land; then you hurled their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into turbulent waters.

Berean Standard Bible

You divided the sea before them, and they crossed through it on dry ground. You hurled their pursuers into the depths like a stone into raging waters.

American Standard Version

And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their pursuers thou didst cast into the depths, as a stone into the mighty waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 9:11 is a powerful declaration within a lengthy prayer of confession and praise offered by the Levites, recalling God's miraculous intervention at the Red Sea. This verse specifically extols God's omnipotence in dividing the sea, allowing the Israelites to pass through on dry ground, while simultaneously executing decisive judgment upon their Egyptian pursuers, casting them into the depths with overwhelming force. It serves as a foundational reminder of God's unparalleled power, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and His righteous justice against their oppressors, establishing a pattern of divine deliverance and judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 9:11 is embedded within a profound prayer of national confession and historical recounting, spanning the entirety of Nehemiah chapter 9. This prayer, led by the Levites during a solemn assembly, follows the joyful celebration of the Feast of Booths and the reading of the Law (Nehemiah 8). The chapter begins with an acknowledgment of God's creative power and faithfulness (Nehemiah 9:6) and then systematically traces His redemptive acts from the call of Abraham through the Exodus, wilderness wanderings, and conquest of Canaan, culminating in Israel's repeated rebellion and God's persistent mercy. Verse 11 specifically highlights the pivotal Exodus event, serving as a powerful illustration of God's covenant loyalty despite Israel's subsequent failures, setting the stage for the confession of sin and renewed covenant commitment that follows (Nehemiah 9:33-38).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prayer in Nehemiah 9 takes place around 444 BC, during the post-exilic period when the Jewish community had returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore their spiritual life. The recounting of the Exodus, particularly the Red Sea crossing, was not merely a historical anecdote but a foundational narrative that defined Israel's identity as God's chosen people. It was the ultimate demonstration of Yahweh's power over the gods of Egypt and His commitment to His people, establishing His sovereignty and their unique relationship with Him. The imagery of the sea being divided and enemies drowned would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced their own "exodus" from Babylon and were now seeking God's continued protection and provision in a challenging world.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 9:11 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, showcasing God's absolute control over creation and history, as seen in His ability to manipulate natural elements for His redemptive purposes. Secondly, it highlights **God's Deliverance and Salvation**, portraying Him as the rescuer who frees His people from seemingly insurmountable oppression, a theme central to the entire [Exodus narrative](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"). Thirdly, the verse vividly demonstrates **God's Righteous Judgment**, as He decisively defeats the oppressors of His people, illustrating that His salvation for Israel is inextricably linked with His judgment upon their enemies. Finally, this historical recounting serves as a profound testament to **God's Enduring Faithfulness to His Covenant**, reminding the post-exilic community that the God who acted so powerfully in the past remains faithful to His promises, even when His people have strayed (as confessed in [Nehemiah 9:16-17](/nehemiah/9-16 "Nehemiah 9:16-17 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divide (Hebrew, _baqa'_):** This verb (בָּקַע) means to split, cleave, or tear open with force. It is used elsewhere for splitting wood, rocks, or the earth. In the context of the sea, it emphasizes the supernatural and violent nature of God's intervention. This was not a natural tidal phenomenon but a direct, powerful act of divine will, demonstrating God's absolute mastery over creation, creating a path where none existed.
* **Deeps (Hebrew, _m'tzolah'_):** The Hebrew word (מְצוֹלָה) refers to the depths of the sea, a deep place or abyss. Its use here contrasts sharply with the "dry land" (יַבָּשָׁה, _yabashah_) upon which Israel walked. The "deeps" represent a place of overwhelming power and destruction, emphasizing the complete and irreversible engulfment of the Egyptian army. It evokes a sense of finality and utter defeat for the persecutors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou didst divide the sea before them,"**: This opening clause immediately attributes the miraculous event directly to God's action ("thou didst divide"). The verb "divide" (בָּקַע, _baqa'_) signifies a forceful, supernatural cleaving, not a natural occurrence. "Before them" highlights God's purposeful intervention for the sake of His people, Israel, who were trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian army.
* **"so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land;"**: This clause describes the immediate, astounding consequence of God's division. The Israelites did not wade through shallow water or mud, but walked "on the dry land," emphasizing the completeness of the miracle and God's meticulous provision. "Through the midst of the sea" underscores the impossible nature of the path God created, a testament to His omnipotence.
* **"and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps,"**: This shifts focus from Israel's deliverance to God's judgment upon their enemies. The term "persecutors" (רֹדְפֵיהֶם, _rodefehem_) identifies the Egyptians as those actively pursuing and oppressing God's people. God's action is described as "threwest," a powerful, decisive, and intentional act of judgment, not an accidental drowning. They were cast into the "deeps" (מְצוֹלָה, _m'tzolah_), signifying complete and inescapable engulfment.
* **"as a stone into the mighty waters."**: This concluding simile vividly portrays the swift, heavy, and irreversible destruction of the Egyptian army. Like a stone, they sank quickly and completely, leaving no trace. "Mighty waters" (מַיִם אַדִּירִים, _mayim 'addirim_) emphasizes the overwhelming power of the sea, now turned into an instrument of God's judgment, ensuring the total defeat of Israel's enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 9:11 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in "as a stone into the mighty waters," which powerfully conveys the swift, heavy, and irreversible demise of the Egyptian army. This imagery not only describes their physical destruction but also symbolizes the completeness of God's judgment. **Contrast** is also central, juxtaposing the "dry land" upon which Israel walked with the "deeps" into which their persecutors were thrown, highlighting God's dual action of salvation for His people and judgment against their enemies. The entire verse functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Divine Intervention**, describing an event that transcends natural explanation, emphasizing God's absolute power. Furthermore, the direct address "thou didst divide" and "thou threwest" employs **Apostrophe**, directly speaking to God and underscoring His personal and active involvement in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 9:11 serves as a profound theological touchstone, illustrating God's unparalleled power, His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, and His righteous justice. It reminds us that the God of Israel is not merely a distant deity but an active participant in history, capable of orchestrating the impossible to deliver His chosen ones and execute judgment upon their oppressors. This foundational act of deliverance at the Red Sea became a recurring motif throughout Israel's history, a benchmark for God's faithfulness, and a source of hope in times of distress. It underscores the truth that God's salvation is comprehensive, encompassing both the rescue of His people and the defeat of their enemies, establishing His sovereignty over all creation and all nations.

* [Exodus 14:21-28](/exodus/14-21 "The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Psalm 77:16-20](/psalms/77-16 "God's Mighty Acts in the Sea")
* [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9 "God's Arm that Divided the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 9:11 offers a powerful anchor for our faith, reminding us that the God who delivered Israel from the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of the Red Sea and the mighty Egyptian army is the same God who is active in our lives today. When we face "seas" of difficulty—whether financial hardship, relational conflict, spiritual battles, or overwhelming anxiety—this verse calls us to remember God's past faithfulness as a basis for present hope. It encourages us to trust in His omnipotent power to make a way where there seems to be no way, to provide "dry ground" in the midst of our deepest challenges. Furthermore, it reassures us that God is also a God of justice, who will ultimately deal with all forms of oppression and evil. While we are called to love our enemies and leave vengeance to the Lord, this verse affirms that God will ultimately vindicate His people and bring about His righteous purposes, offering comfort and confidence in His ultimate triumph over all opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "seas" or seemingly impossible obstacles are you facing in your life today, and how does remembering God's power at the Red Sea encourage you?**
* **How does the dual nature of God's action—delivering His people while judging their oppressors—inform your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways can recalling God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in your personal life, strengthen your trust in Him for future challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Red Sea event so frequently recounted in the Bible, as seen in Nehemiah 9:11?**

Answer: The Red Sea event, as recounted in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing") and celebrated in [Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of the Sea"), is foundational to Israel's identity and theology because it was the definitive demonstration of Yahweh's power, His unique relationship with Israel, and His commitment to His covenant promises. It marked the birth of the nation of Israel as a free people, delivered from slavery by divine intervention. Therefore, it served as a constant reminder of God's omnipotence, His faithfulness, and His righteous judgment, providing a historical anchor for their faith and a template for future acts of divine deliverance. Recounting it, as in Nehemiah 9:11, reinforced their understanding of God's character and their place in His redemptive plan, especially for a community rebuilding after exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 9:11, while rooted in a historical event, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God divided the physical sea to deliver His people from physical bondage, Christ, through His death and resurrection, has "divided" the spiritual sea of sin and death, providing the ultimate path to freedom for all who believe. He is the greater Moses who leads His people through a greater exodus, not from Egypt, but from the dominion of darkness into His marvelous light (as seen in [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). The destruction of the Egyptian persecutors foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over our spiritual enemies—Satan, sin, and death—which were "thrown into the deeps" at the cross and resurrection (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers") and [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Destroying the One Who Has the Power of Death")). Furthermore, the imagery of passing through the waters on dry ground finds a symbolic echo in Christian baptism, which signifies our identification with Christ's death and resurrection, a spiritual crossing from bondage to new life (as alluded to in [1 Corinthians 10:1-2](/1_corinthians/10-1 "1 Corinthians 10:1-2 - Israel's Spiritual Experiences") and explicitly in [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3-4 - Buried with Christ in Baptism")). Thus, Nehemiah 9:11 points forward to Jesus as the supreme Deliverer, the one who brings ultimate salvation and righteous judgment.

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

Psalms 78:13

He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.

Exodus 14:27

And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

Exodus 14:28

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Exodus 14:22

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Psalms 66:6

He turned the sea into dry [land]: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

Psalms 136:13

To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy [endureth] for ever: