Psalms 106:11
And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
Psalms 106:11
This verse continues the Red Sea deliverance motif, marking the moment when “the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.” The psalmist emphasizes total divine victory over adversaries. In the Exodus narrative, God’s enemies are destroyed in the sea as the Egyptians pursue Israel. Recounting this event in Psalm 106 serves as a collective memory check: it anchors the people’s identity in God’s decisive triumph. The imagery of waters covering enemies underscores themes of judgment against oppression and the completeness of God’s deliverance. The verse also highlights a shift from peril to peace, from threat to worship—Israel’s response transitioning to praise as they witness the defeat of foes. The memorializing function of such verses is to remind future generations of God’s power and faithfulness when they encounter new challenges.
Theologically, this verse affirms God’s sovereignty over history and his justice in delivering his people. It foregrounds the dual aspects of salvation: rescue for the vulnerable and judgment upon oppressors. The imagery of the waters covering enemies is a vivid symbol of divine judgment against those who oppose God’s people and purposes. It also functions as a mirror: God’s triumph over enemies becomes the basis for communal worship and identity. The verse invites readers to trust that God will defend his people and that his acts in history have lasting, covenantal significance. It points forward to the eschatological expectation that God’s righteous rule will finally prevail over every form of evil.
If you feel overwhelmed by opposing forces—gossip, injustice, systemic pressure—this verse invites you to trust God’s ultimate justice. It doesn’t always look like dramatic wilderness deliverances, but God is at work to restore and vindicate. Practical steps: seek peaceful, principled wins in conflict rather than retaliatory tactics; cultivate a posture of worship that acknowledges God’s deliverance in the past as a guarantee for the present. When you face enemies—whether real people or internal fears—remind yourself that God can “cover” them in his justice as well as provide protection for you. Remember, the goal of deliverance is not just safety but renewed praise and allegiance to God.
Cross-References: Exodus 14:28-31; Psalm 68:21; Isaiah 28:17; Romans 16:20