Nehemiah 9:11

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Nehemiah 9:11 is a powerful verse from a lengthy prayer in Nehemiah chapter 9, offered by the Levites during a solemn assembly of the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile. This specific verse recounts one of the most iconic demonstrations of God's miraculous power and faithfulness in Israel's history: the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of their Egyptian pursuers.

Context

The book of Nehemiah details the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual restoration of the Jewish community post-exile. Nehemiah chapter 9 features a profound prayer of confession and praise, where the Levites recount God's benevolent acts from creation through the wilderness wanderings, acknowledging Israel's consistent rebellion yet God's unwavering mercy. Verse 11 specifically recalls the pivotal moment of the Exodus from Egypt, a foundational event that established Israel as God's chosen people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omnipotence and Deliverance: The verse vividly portrays God's absolute power over creation, demonstrated by His ability to "divide the sea" and allow His people to walk on "dry land." This act was a profound salvation, freeing Israel from generations of bondage.
  • God's Justice and Judgment: While delivering His people, God simultaneously executed judgment upon their oppressors, the Egyptians. Their destruction, likened to "a stone into the mighty waters," signifies a complete and decisive defeat, ensuring Israel's freedom. This highlights God's role as a righteous judge.
  • Faithfulness to Covenant: This historical recounting serves as a reminder of God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful. The miraculous rescue at the Red Sea was a foundational act demonstrating His commitment to Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "divide the sea" comes from the Hebrew word baqa' (בָּקַע), which means to split, cleave, or tear open. This emphasizes the dramatic and supernatural nature of the event—it was not a natural phenomenon but a direct divine intervention. The imagery of the persecutors thrown "as a stone into the mighty waters" is a powerful metaphor for their swift and irreversible demise, echoing the triumphal Song of Moses in Exodus 15.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 9:11 reminds believers that God is still the God of impossible situations. Just as He delivered Israel from the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of the Red Sea and the powerful Egyptian army, He is capable of providing salvation and deliverance in our lives today. This verse encourages trust in God's power and justice, knowing that He will ultimately overcome all opposition and bring about His purposes for His people. It calls us to remember God's past faithfulness as a basis for present hope, particularly when facing overwhelming challenges or spiritual battles. It also serves as a reminder that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will deal with those who oppress His people.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 78:13 (8 votes)

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

  • Exodus 14:27 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 136:13 (3 votes)

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