Psalms 106:11

KJV

And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the waters {H4325} covered {H3680} their enemies {H6862}: there was not one {H259} of them left {H3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The water closed over their adversaries; not one of them was left.

Berean Standard Bible

The waters covered their foes; not one of them remained.

American Standard Version

And the waters covered their adversaries; There was not one of them left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:11 vividly recounts God's climactic act of deliverance and judgment at the Red Sea, powerfully depicting the complete and utter engulfment of the Egyptian pursuers by the returning waters, leaving no survivor. This verse stands as an enduring testament to the Lord's absolute sovereignty over creation, His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, and His overwhelming power to decisively defeat all who defiantly oppose His divine will and redemptive purposes for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 106 is a historical psalm, functioning as a communal confession of Israel's repeated unfaithfulness and God's enduring faithfulness. It belongs to Book Four of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106), a section often characterized by themes of God's kingship and covenant loyalty. The psalm opens with a call to praise God for His goodness and mercy ([Psalms 106:1-5](/psalms/106-1-5 "Psalms 106:1-5 - Call to Praise God's Enduring Mercy")), before embarking on a detailed historical review of Israel's journey from the Exodus to the Babylonian exile. Verses 7-12 specifically focus on the Red Sea event, serving as the initial and most dramatic example of God's mighty acts for His people. Prior to verse 11, the psalm describes God's miraculous intervention in drying up the sea ([Psalms 106:9](/psalms/106-9 "Psalms 106:9 - God's Command to the Red Sea")), allowing Israel to pass through, and His subsequent deliverance of His people from their enemies ([Psalms 106:10](/psalms/106-10 "Psalms 106:10 - Deliverance from the Enemy")), setting the stage for the definitive judgment in verse 11. The immediate aftermath, recounted in [Psalms 106:12-13](/psalms/106-12-13 "Psalms 106:12-13 - Israel's Fleeting Faith and Forgetfulness"), tragically highlights Israel's fleeting faith and quick descent into forgetfulness, underscoring the psalm's overarching narrative of divine patience contrasted with human rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event commemorated in Psalms 106:11 is the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds) by the Israelites and the subsequent destruction of Pharaoh's army, a foundational narrative detailed in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"). This occurred shortly after the ten devastating plagues on Egypt, which finally compelled Pharaoh to release the enslaved Israelites. Pharaoh's subsequent change of heart and relentless pursuit of the Israelites into the wilderness demonstrated his hardened defiance against Yahweh, setting the stage for this ultimate confrontation. For ancient Israel, the Exodus, with the Red Sea crossing as its dramatic climax, was the defining moment of their national birth and the cornerstone of their covenant relationship with God. It was the supreme demonstration of Yahweh's power over all other gods and nations, establishing Him as Israel's unique deliverer, protector, and sovereign King. The imagery of the sea, often perceived in ancient Near Eastern cultures as a chaotic, untamable, and threatening force, being utterly controlled and utilized by God as an instrument of judgment, would have profoundly emphasized God's absolute supremacy over creation and all hostile powers.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 106:11 contributes significantly to several central themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's unparalleled ability to rescue His people from seemingly insurmountable threats, as explicitly stated in [Exodus 14:30](/exodus/14-30 "Exodus 14:30 - Israel Saved from the Egyptians"). Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereign Power and Justice**, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His righteous judgment against those who defiantly oppose His will and His people. This theme of divine judgment on nations is echoed throughout the prophetic literature, such as when God uses Assyria as an instrument of His wrath ([Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")). Thirdly, within the confessional framework of Psalm 106, this verse highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, even in the face of Israel's subsequent and repeated unfaithfulness. The Red Sea deliverance serves as a profound and foundational reminder of God's initial, powerful, and persistent commitment to His covenant with Israel, standing in stark contrast to their short-lived gratitude and quick forgetfulness, as recounted in [Psalms 106:12-13](/psalms/106-12-13 "Psalms 106:12-13 - Israel's Fleeting Faith and Forgetfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covered (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This verb (H3680) signifies "to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm." In the context of Psalms 106:11, it denotes a complete and total inundation, an overwhelming engulfment that leaves no possibility of escape or survival. The active voice emphasizes God as the orchestrator of this action, using the waters as His instrument of judgment. It conveys not merely a wetting, but a decisive and final act of overwhelming destruction, ensuring the complete elimination of the threat posed by the Egyptian army.
* **Enemies (Hebrew, _tsar'_):** This noun (H6862) means "narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble; (transitive) an opponent (as crowding); adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble." Here, "enemies" refers specifically to the Egyptian army that was relentlessly pursuing Israel, representing not just military adversaries but those who stood in direct opposition to God's redemptive plan and His people's freedom. The term emphasizes the distress and threat they posed to Israel.
* **Left (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** This verb (H3498) is a primitive root meaning "to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively, to leave, cause to abound, preserve." The phrase "lo-echad yâthar bahem" (not one of them left) strongly emphasizes the absolute finality and totality of the destruction. It is a hyperbolic expression to underscore the completeness of God's victory, ensuring that the threat posed by the Egyptian army was utterly neutralized, with no remnant to pursue or harass Israel further. This highlights the definitive nature of God's deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the waters covered their enemies:"** This clause identifies the divine agent of destruction (the waters, acting under God's sovereign command) and the recipients of this judgment (Israel's enemies, specifically the pursuing Egyptian army). The imagery is vivid and direct, portraying the overwhelming, irresistible force of the returning sea. This is a direct consequence of God's earlier action of parting the waters and His subsequent command for them to return, as described in [Exodus 14:27-28](/exodus/14-27-28 "Exodus 14:27-28 - The Red Sea Returns and Engulfs the Egyptians"). The "enemies" here are not merely adversaries but those who stood in direct, defiant opposition to God's redemptive plan for His chosen people.
* **"there was not one of them left."** This concluding phrase emphasizes the absolute and complete nature of the judgment. It signifies total annihilation, leaving no survivors from the Egyptian forces. This declaration highlights the thoroughness of God's victory and the definitive end of the immediate threat to Israel. It underscores the divine assurance that the deliverance was not partial but absolute, securing Israel's freedom from their former oppressors once and for all, demonstrating the finality of God's justice against those who would hinder His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 106:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of divine power and judgment. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, particularly evident in the emphatic phrase "there was not one of them left." While the destruction of Pharaoh's army was indeed devastating and complete from a military standpoint, this absolute declaration serves to magnify the totality of God's victory and the definitive nature of His judgment. It underscores the overwhelming and irresistible power of divine intervention. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Metonymy**, where "the waters" stand in for God's active judgment and omnipotent power. The waters are not merely a natural phenomenon but are depicted as instruments of divine will, executing God's decree with precision and force. This also borders on **Personification**, as the waters are described as actively "covering" and eliminating the enemies, implying a directed, purposeful, and almost sentient action in fulfilling God's command. The verse's concise, declarative, and climactic nature also contributes to its powerful **Dramatic Effect**, delivering a summary statement of a pivotal historical event designed to evoke awe, fear, and profound recognition of God's unparalleled might and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:11 serves as a profound theological statement on God's character and His active involvement in human history. It underscores His absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering, covenantal commitment to His people, even when they are undeserving. The complete destruction of the enemies at the Red Sea is a powerful demonstration of divine justice, where God actively intervenes to protect the innocent and judge the wicked. This foundational act of deliverance establishes a paradigm for God's future interventions, assuring His people that He is capable of overcoming any obstacle or enemy, no matter how formidable. It also highlights the crucial biblical theme of salvation through judgment, where God's righteous judgment on one party (Egypt) becomes the very means of salvation and liberation for another (Israel). This pivotal event is repeatedly referenced throughout the Old Testament as a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence, faithfulness, and redemptive purposes.

* [Exodus 15:19](/exodus/15-19 "The Song of Moses - God's Triumph at the Sea")
* [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9-10 "Isaiah 51:9-10 - God's Arm of Power Parting the Sea")
* [Nehemiah 9:11](/nehemiah/9-11 "Nehemiah 9:11 - God's Deliverance at the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:11 offers timeless truths for the believer today, reminding us of the God who actively fights for His people. In a world often filled with overwhelming challenges, relentless spiritual adversaries, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse provides a powerful anchor for our faith. It assures us that the same God who decisively defeated the mighty Egyptian army, leaving "not one of them left," is still sovereign, still omnipotent, and still profoundly committed to delivering His children from every form of bondage and oppression. We are called to remember His past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in our own personal narratives, to strengthen our trust in His ability to bring us through current trials and future uncertainties. Just as ancient Israel was freed from physical bondage to Pharaoh, we are reminded of God's power to free us from spiritual bondage, the dominion of sin, and the schemes of the enemy. This verse also serves as a sober reminder of God's unwavering justice; while He is merciful and patient, His ultimate judgment against all forms of evil, rebellion, and opposition to His kingdom is certain and complete. Therefore, our appropriate response should be one of humble trust, unwavering praise for His mighty deeds, and a resolute commitment to remembering His works so that we do not fall into the trap of forgetfulness and disobedience that plagued ancient Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or overwhelming challenges in your life, whether spiritual or circumstantial, do you need God to "cover" or decisively defeat?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both from biblical accounts and your own personal experiences, strengthen your faith in His present and future help?**
* **In what ways might we, like Israel, be prone to quickly forget God's mighty works and fall back into patterns of disobedience or doubt?**
* **How does the completeness of God's victory in this verse encourage you to trust in His thoroughness and finality in every area of your life, including His work of sanctification and ultimate redemption?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "not one of them left" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "there was not one of them left" (KJV) or "not one of them remained" (ESV) signifies the absolute and complete destruction of Pharaoh's army. It is a declaration of total victory and decisive judgment. The theological significance is profound: it demonstrates God's overwhelming power to eliminate any threat to His people and His purposes. This was not a partial defeat but a definitive end to the immediate danger, ensuring Israel's freedom and preventing any further pursuit or harassment from their former oppressors. It underscores the finality of God's judgment against those who defiantly oppose Him and His redemptive plan, providing a sense of secure and complete deliverance for His chosen people.

**How does Psalms 106:11 relate to the broader message of Psalm 106?**

Answer: Psalms 106:11, detailing the complete destruction of Israel's enemies at the Red Sea, stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and power at the very beginning of Israel's national journey. Within the broader narrative of Psalm 106, which chronicles Israel's repeated rebellion and forgetfulness, this verse serves as a stark contrast and a foundational reminder. It highlights God's initial and consistent commitment to His covenant, even as the psalm goes on to lament Israel's subsequent and frequent failures (e.g., their quick forgetfulness of God's works in [Psalms 106:13](/psalms/106-13 "Psalms 106:13 - Israel's Quick Forgetfulness")). The verse underscores the magnitude of God's grace and patience, as He continued to deliver a people who often forgot His mighty works and rebelled against His counsel. It sets the stage for the psalm's overarching message: God's steadfast love endures despite human unfaithfulness, providing a powerful backdrop for understanding His persistent mercy throughout Israel's tumultuous history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic deliverance at the Red Sea, culminating in the complete destruction of Israel's enemies described in Psalms 106:11, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the waters "covered their enemies" and left "not one of them left," so Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, decisively defeated the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. The Red Sea crossing is often seen as a type of baptism (as alluded to in [1 Corinthians 10:1-2](/1_corinthians/10-1-2 "1 Corinthians 10:1-2 - Israel's Baptism in the Cloud and Sea")), signifying a passage from bondage to freedom, from an old life of slavery to a new life of liberation. In Christ, believers are spiritually "baptized into his death" and raised to newness of life, having been delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the glorious kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness")). The complete annihilation of Pharaoh's army powerfully foreshadows Christ's absolute and public triumph over all spiritual powers and principalities, leaving no cosmic enemy ultimately standing against those who are in Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). The finality of God's judgment at the Red Sea prefigures the comprehensive and eternal salvation accomplished by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), ensuring that for those who trust in Him, there is "not one" sin, condemnation, or enemy left that can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus") and [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")).

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

Exodus 15:5

The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.

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 14:13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Psalms 78:53

And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

Exodus 15:19

For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry [land] in the midst of the sea.

Exodus 15:10

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.