share torah logo

Exodus 15:9 - Enemy's arrogance before downfall?

Exodus 15:9 - שמות 15:9

Hebrew Text

אָמַר אוֹיֵב אֶרְדֹּף אַשִּׂיג אֲחַלֵּק שָׁלָל תִּמְלָאֵמוֹ נַפְשִׁי אָרִיק חַרְבִּי תּוֹרִישֵׁמוֹ יָדִי׃

English Translation

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

Transliteration

Amar oyev erdof asig achaleik shalal timla'emo nafshi arik charbi torishemo yadi.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָמַ֥ר אוֹיֵ֛ב אֶרְדֹּ֥ף אַשִּׂ֖יג&nbsp
אָמַ֥ר אוֹיֵ֛ב אֶרְדֹּ֥ף אַשִּׂ֖יג&nbsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Exodus 15:9) appears in Shirat HaYam (the Song of the Sea), sung by Bnei Yisrael after their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. It recounts the arrogant boasts of the Egyptian enemy before their downfall.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this verse reflects the Egyptians' overconfidence in their pursuit of Bnei Yisrael. The repetition of "I will" ("ארדף, אשיג, אחלק") demonstrates their hubris, as they assumed they would succeed in:

  • Pursuing ("ארדף") – Believing they could chase Bnei Yisrael into the sea.
  • Overtaking ("אשיג") – Catching them before they escaped.
  • Dividing the spoils ("אחלק שלל") – Plundering the wealth they assumed Bnei Yisrael took from Egypt.

Rashi emphasizes that their arrogance led to their downfall, as Hashem thwarted their plans.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes the poetic structure, where the enemy's speech escalates in intensity—from pursuit to destruction—highlighting their bloodthirsty intent. The phrase "תמלאמו נפשי" ("my lust shall be satisfied upon them") reveals their cruel desire for vengeance, not just recapturing slaves.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Mechilta and Midrash Rabbah elaborate that the Egyptians' words reflect a deeper spiritual blindness. They ignored the miracles they had already witnessed (the Ten Plagues) and still believed in their own power. The Midrash compares this to later enemies of Israel who, despite clear divine protection, persist in their hatred.

Rambam's Philosophical Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim) sees this verse as a lesson in divine justice. The Egyptians' boastful speech exemplifies human arrogance in attributing success to their own strength, forgetting that all power comes from Hashem. Their downfall serves as a warning against such pride.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Kedushas Levi (R' Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) teaches that the enemy's declaration represents the yetzer hara (evil inclination), which similarly boasts of overpowering a person. Yet, just as the Egyptians were drowned, so too can one overcome spiritual challenges through faith and divine assistance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 15:9 mean in the context of the Song of the Sea?
A: Exodus 15:9 is part of the 'Song of the Sea' (Shirat HaYam), sung by the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea. This verse describes the arrogant boasting of the Egyptian enemy, who thought they would successfully pursue and destroy the Israelites. Rashi explains that it highlights the Egyptians' overconfidence before Hashem miraculously drowned them in the sea.
Q: Why is the enemy's speech included in the Song of the Sea?
A: The Torah includes the enemy's words to contrast human arrogance with divine justice. The Midrash (Mechilta) teaches that the Egyptians' boastful speech demonstrates how evildoers are filled with pride before their downfall, emphasizing that Hashem humbles the arrogant and saves His people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 15:9 today?
A: This verse teaches us that no enemy, no matter how powerful or confident, can succeed against Hashem's will. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) explains that recognizing Hashem's control over history strengthens our trust in Him during difficult times, just as the Israelites witnessed at the Red Sea.
Q: How does Exodus 15:9 relate to the concept of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah)?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) teaches that the Egyptians drowned the Israelite boys in the Nile, so they were punished by drowning in the sea. Their boast in this verse ('I will pursue...') reflects their evil intent, and their punishment matched their actions—a classic example of divine justice working measure for measure.
Q: Why do we recite the Song of the Sea daily in prayers?
A: The Song of the Sea (including this verse) is recited every morning in Pesukei D'Zimra to remember Hashem's miracles and our gratitude for salvation. The Mishnah Berurah (51:5) explains that recalling the splitting of the sea reinforces our belief in Hashem's ongoing protection throughout history.