How does Psalm 106:11 connect with the Israelites' exodus from Egypt? Context in the Psalm Psalm 106 is a historical psalm that rehearses Israel’s story, alternating between God’s mighty acts and Israel’s repeated failures. Verse 11 recalls the climactic moment of the Exodus when the Lord permanently removed the threat of Egypt’s pursuing army. Text of the Verse Psalm 106:11: “The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them remained.” Snapshot of the Original Event • “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians…’ • Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal depth… • The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.” Point-by-Point Connections • Same wording, same outcome: “not one… remained” (Psalm 106:11) echoes “not one… survived” (Exodus 14:28). • Identical agents: the “waters” (Psalm 106:11) are the returning Red Sea waves (Exodus 14:26-27). • Same adversaries: “their adversaries” in the psalm are Pharaoh’s forces in the historical narrative. • Purpose: God’s decisive judgment removes Israel’s oppressors so they can serve Him in freedom (Exodus 9:1; 14:30). • Result: total, irreversible deliverance. No remnant of the enemy threatens them again at the sea (cf. Exodus 14:13). Additional Old Testament Echoes • Exodus 15:4-5, 10—Moses’ song celebrates the drowning of the army. • Deuteronomy 11:2-4—Moses reminds the second generation of the same event. • Nehemiah 9:9-11—Nehemiah rehearses the miracle while praying. Every citation reinforces Psalm 106:11 as a faithful retelling of actual history. New Testament Affirmations • Hebrews 11:29—faith of the Israelites in crossing the sea. • 1 Corinthians 10:1-2—Paul sees the crossing as a baptism “into Moses.” Both writers treat the Red Sea event literally and foundationally. Theological Significance • Divine Warrior: God Himself fights for His people (Exodus 14:14). • Covenant Faithfulness: He keeps His promise to bring Israel out “with a mighty hand” (Exodus 6:1). • Finality of Salvation: once God delivers, the old bondage is gone; He provides a clean break from past oppression. Life Application • God’s deliverance is complete—no lingering chains remain when He acts. • Remembering past victories fuels present faith; like the psalmist, rehearse God’s deeds when doubts arise. • Just as Israel stood still and watched (Exodus 14:13), we trust God’s power rather than our own strategies when impossible odds close in. Psalm 106:11 thus anchors Israel’s praise in the historical, literal drowning of Pharaoh’s army, proving once again that the God who saves does so decisively, conclusively, and forever. |
    |