Isaiah 25:11

And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth [his hands] to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.

And he shall spread forth {H6566} his hands {H3027} in the midst {H7130} of them, as he that swimmeth {H7811} spreadeth forth {H6566} his hands to swim {H7811}: and he shall bring down {H8213} their pride {H1346} together with the spoils {H698} of their hands {H3027}.

They will spread out their hands in Mo'av, like a swimmer using his hands to tread water; but their pride will be humbled and sunk, no matter how clever the strokes of their hands.

He will spread out his hands within it, as a swimmer spreads his arms to swim. His pride will be brought low, despite the skill of his hands.

And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst thereof, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim; but Jehovah will lay low his pride together with the craft of his hands.

Commentary

Isaiah 25:11 KJV offers a vivid, somewhat ironic, picture of the downfall of Moab, a nation often characterized by its arrogance and opposition to Israel. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His judgment against human pride.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 24-27), often referred to as Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse," which describes global judgment and God's ultimate triumph. Immediately preceding this verse, Isaiah 25:10 speaks of God treading down Moab, making it a fitting prelude to the imagery of struggling. The chapter contrasts the glorious future of God's people with the destruction of His enemies, emphasizing His power to humble the proud nations of the earth.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Pride: The central message is God's unwavering resolve to humble the arrogant. Moab's "pride" (Hebrew: ga'on) is explicitly targeted, highlighting a consistent biblical theme that pride precedes destruction.
  • Futility of Resistance: The imagery of spreading hands "as he that swimmeth" portrays a desperate, yet ultimately useless, struggle against an overwhelming force. It's not a swim to victory, but a flailing attempt to avoid being submerged by God's judgment.
  • God's Sovereignty: This verse reaffirms that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength or wealth ("spoils of their hands"), can stand against the will of the Almighty God. He brings down the high and mighty as He wills.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "spread forth" (Χ€ΦΈΦΌΧ¨Φ·Χ©Χ‚ - paras) means to stretch out or extend. The unique simile of a swimmer is particularly striking here. While swimming involves spreading hands for propulsion, in this context, it symbolizes a frantic, perhaps even helpless, exertion. It's an image of someone struggling to stay afloat against an irresistible current, rather than moving purposefully. This adds to the sense of Moab's inevitable and complete defeat.

Practical Application

Isaiah 25:11 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of pride and self-reliance. It reminds us:

  • Humility is Essential: True strength and security are found not in human achievements or arrogance, but in a humble dependence on God.
  • God's Justice Prevails: Those who exalt themselves will eventually be brought low. This provides comfort for the oppressed and a call to repentance for the proud. The principle that God "hath put down the mighty from their seats" is a recurring truth.
  • Beware of Ill-Gotten Gains: The "spoils of their hands" suggests that wealth or power gained through unjust means, or held with a proud heart, will ultimately be stripped away.

This verse calls believers to examine their own hearts, ensuring that pride does not become a stumbling block to their relationship with God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 16:14

    But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble.

  • Isaiah 16:6

    ΒΆ We have heard of the pride of Moab; [he is] very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: [but] his lies [shall] not [be] so.

  • Isaiah 14:26

    This [is] the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this [is] the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

  • Isaiah 5:25

    Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

  • Isaiah 2:11

    The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

  • Isaiah 65:2

    I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

  • Jeremiah 50:31

    Behold, I [am] against thee, [O thou] most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time [that] I will visit thee.
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