And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights the absolute completeness of God's judgment. It's not just that the enemies were defeated, but that "not one of them was left," emphasizing a total and irreversible eradication. This detail points to God's power to utterly destroy those who oppose Him and His people.
And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a confession of national sin, recounting Israel's persistent unfaithfulness to God despite His mighty acts of deliverance, starting with their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. The verses leading up to this one recall how the Israelites, though saved from Pharaoh's army, immediately rebelled and forgot God's power. This verse then describes the dramatic consequence for their pursuers, highlighting God's complete victory on their behalf.
Ever felt like justice wasn't fully served? This verse speaks to a divine finality that leaves no room for doubt.
The phrase 'not one of them was left' isn't just hyperbole; it's a powerful declaration of God's complete and utter judgment.
A Total Annihilation
When the waters covered Pharaoh's army, it wasn't a partial defeat. The text emphasizes total destruction. This wasn't about capturing enemies or forcing a surrender; it was about their complete eradication.
A Pattern of Divine Justice
This event at the Red Sea is a foundational story for Israel. It's recounted here as a reminder that when God enacts judgment, it is decisive and absolute. There's no escape, no survival for those who stand against Him and His people.
Why do these ancient events still matter? This psalm reminds us that remembering isn't just for history books; it's for our present and future.
Psalm 106 is a song of confession, looking back at Israel's repeated failures. Yet, within that confession, the mighty acts of God—like the Red Sea deliverance—are brought to the forefront.
A Litmus Test for Faith
The recurring theme in this psalm is Israel's forgetfulness. They sinned because they forgot God's power and protection. Remembering the waters covering their adversaries wasn't just recalling a past event; it was a spiritual discipline to anchor their faith.
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Fueling Gratitude and Obedience
Recounting God's decisive actions—like the complete destruction of their enemies—is meant to inspire awe, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to obedience. It’s a reminder of who God is and what He is capable of doing, both in judgment and in salvation.
Understand the original words
tsarar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to those who oppose God and His people, often acting as enemies of the covenant. In Scripture, these are often judged by God for their hostility toward the righteous.
This verse recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's history, the miraculous parting and subsequent crashing of the Red Sea to destroy Pharaoh's pursuing army. The psalmists recall this event, not just as a historical fact, but as a stark reminder of God's power and faithfulness, contrasted with Israel's persistent tendency to forget His mighty deeds and fall into sin throughout their history.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery, the Israelites are miraculously led out of Egypt by God's power, culminating in their escape from bondage.
c. 1446 BC
Pursuit by Pharaoh's Army
Pharaoh's army, pursuing the fleeing Israelites, marches into the miraculously parted waters of the Red Sea.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Destruction at the Red Sea
God causes the waters of the Red Sea to crash back down, drowning Pharaoh's entire army and leaving none alive.
c. 1446 BC - 1406 BC
Wilderness Sojourn
The Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years, facing numerous challenges and demonstrating repeated unfaithfulness to God.
c. 1406 BC
Entry into the Promised Land
The Israelites, after 40 years, finally enter the land God promised to their ancestors.
c. 1000 BC - 586 BC
Period of the Judges and Monarchy
Israel experiences cycles of disobedience, judgment, and deliverance under the Judges and later under their Kings, often forgetting God's past faithfulness.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed, and many Israelites are exiled to Babylon due to persistent disobedience.
This verse directly quotes Exodus 14:28, which describes the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent drowning of Pharaoh's pursuing army. It highlights God's power to deliver His people by utterly destroying their enemies.
Exodus 15:10In the Song of Moses sung after the Red Sea crossing, this verse echoes the fate of the Egyptians. It emphasizes that God 'blew with thy wind, and the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters,' reinforcing the complete destruction mentioned in Psalm 106:11.
Joshua 24:12Recounting the conquest of Canaan, Joshua reminds the Israelites that God sent hornets before them, driving out the two Amorite kings. This passage shows God's continued pattern of clearing the way for His people by decisively defeating their adversaries, just as the waters did at the Red Sea.
Isaiah 43:16-17This prophecy speaks of God leading His people out of Egypt, parting the sea, and causing chariots and horses to fall. It parallels the event in Psalm 106:11 by describing God's powerful intervention to destroy those who pursue His people, ensuring their safe passage.
1 Corinthians 10:11The Apostle Paul refers to the Israelites' experiences in the wilderness, including the event at the Red Sea, as examples for believers. This verse connects the historical event to spiritual lessons, implying that the complete destruction of their enemies was a significant signpost of God's saving power.
pulpitPsalms 106:11: "And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left."
Verse 11. - And the waters covered their enemies (see Exodus 14:28-30; Exodus 15:10). There was not one of them left. The words of Exodus 14:28 (last clause) are almost exactly followed. (On the true meaning of the expression, see the 'Pulpit Commentary' on Exodus 14, p. 314.)
cambridgePsalms 106:11: "And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left."
11 . See Exodus 14:28 . enemies ] R.V. adversaries.
The verse highlights the absolute completeness of God's judgment. It's not just that the enemies were defeated, but that "not one of them was left," emphasizing a total and irreversible eradication. This detail points to God's power to utterly destroy those who oppose Him and His people.
This psalm is a confession of national sin, recounting Israel's persistent unfaithfulness to God despite His mighty acts of deliverance, starting with their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. The verses leading up to this one recall how the Israelites, though saved from Pharaoh's army, immediately rebelled and forgot God's power. This verse then describes the dramatic consequence for their pursuers, highlighting God's complete victory on their behalf.
This psalm is a confession of national sin, recounting Israel's persistent unfaithfulness to God despite His mighty acts of deliverance, starting with their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. The verses leading up to this one recall how the Israelites, though saved from Pharaoh's army, immediately rebelled and forgot God's power. This verse then describes the dramatic consequence for their pursuers, highlighting God's complete victory on their behalf.
"And the waters covered their adversaries; not one of them was left." — The verse highlights the absolute completeness of God's judgment. It's not just that the enemies were defeated, but that "not one of them was left," emphasizing a total and irreversible eradication.…
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Last reviewed October 2026