Deuteronomy 11:4 - and what he did to the army of Egypt, to their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red Sea to overflow them as they pursued you, and how Yahweh has destroyed them to this day;

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 11:4

What does "Deuteronomy 11:4" mean?


This verse from Deuteronomy 11:4 is a powerful reminder to the Israelites of God's faithfulness and power in delivering them from slavery in Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:

"and what he did to the army of Egypt, to their horses, and to their chariots;": This refers to the climactic event of the Exodus story, the drowning of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds). The emphasis on horses and chariots highlights the strength and might of the Egyptian army, the elite fighting force of the time.

"how he made the water of the Red Sea to overflow them as they pursued you,": This describes the specific action God took. After parting the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to cross on dry ground, God caused the waters to collapse upon the pursuing Egyptian army, effectively trapping and drowning them. The phrase "as they pursued you" emphasizes the imminent danger the Israelites were in.

"and how Yahweh has destroyed them to this day;": This reinforces the completeness and permanence of God's victory. The destruction of the Egyptian army was not a temporary setback, but a decisive and lasting defeat. "To this day" indicates that the effects of this event were still felt and remembered by the Israelites in Deuteronomy's time.

Overall Meaning:

The verse serves several purposes:

Remembrance: It's a call to remember and never forget the miraculous way God delivered them from slavery and their powerful enemy.
Gratitude: It's a reminder to be thankful for God's intervention and protection.
Warning: It implicitly warns against disobedience. If God could utterly destroy the mighty Egyptian army, he is capable of punishing those who forsake him.
Faith: It encourages faith in God's power and ability to protect them in the future, as they face new challenges in the Promised Land.
Historical Context: This verse, along with the rest of Deuteronomy, is given as a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites before they enter Canaan. It's a final charge, reminding them of their history, their covenant with God, and the importance of obedience.

In essence, Deuteronomy 11:4 is a concise but powerful summary of God's saving act in the Exodus, a cornerstone event in Israelite history and theology. It emphasizes God's power, faithfulness, and the enduring nature of his deliverance.

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