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Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
He will spread out his hands in its midst, like one who swims spreads out hands to swim, but his pride will be humbled together with the craft of his hands.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he shall stretche out his hande in the middes of them (as he that swimmeth, stretcheth them out to swimme) and with the strength of his handes shall he bring downe their pride.
Young's Literal Translation
And he spread out his hands in its midst, As spread out doth the swimmer to swim; And He hath humbled his excellency With the machinations of his hands.
In the KJVVerse 18,130 of 31,102
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Commentary on Isaiah 25 verses 9–12
9 ¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
10 For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.
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.
12 And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.
Here is, I. The welcome which the church shall give to these blessings promised in the foregoing verses (Isa 25:9): It shall be said in that day, with a humble holy triumph and exultation, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him! Thus will the deliverance of the church out of long and sore troubles be celebrated; thus will it be as life from the dead. With such transports of joy and praise will those entertain the glad tidings of the Redeemer who looked for him, and for redemption in Jerusalem by him; and with such a triumphant song as this will glorified saints enter into the joy of their Lord. 1. God himself must have the glory of all: "Lo, this is our God, this is the Lord. This which is done is his doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Herein he has done like himself, has magnified his own wisdom, power, and goodness. Herein he has done for us like our God, a God in covenant with us, and whom we serve." Note, Our triumphs must not terminate in what God does for us and gives to us, but must pass through them to himself, who is the author and giver of them: This is our God. Have any of the nations of the earth such a God to trust to? No, their rock is not as our rock. There is none like unto the God of Jerusalem. 2. The longer it has been expected the more welcome it is. "This is he whom we have waited for, in dependence upon his word of promise, and a full assurance that he would come in the set time, in due time, and therefore we were willing to tarry his time; and now we find it is not in vain to wait for him, for the mercy comes at last, with an abundant recompence for the delay." 3. It is matter of joy unspeakable: "We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. We that share in the benefits of it will concur in the joyful thanksgivings for it." 4. It is an encouragement to hope for the continuance and perfection of this salvation: We have waited for him, and he will save us, will carry on what he has begun; for as for God, our God, his work is perfect.
II. A prospect of further blessings for the securing and perpetuating of these. 1. The power of God shall be engaged for them and shall continue to take their part: In this mountain shall the hand of the Lord rest, Isa 25:10. The church and people of God shall have continued proofs of God's presence with them and residence among them: his hand shall be continually over them, to protect and guard them, and continually stretched out to them, for their supply. Mount Zion is his rest for ever; here he will dwell. 2. The power of their enemies, which is engaged against them, shall be broken. Moab is here put for all the adversaries of God's people, that are vexatious to them; they shall all be trodden down or threshed (for then they beat out the corn by treading it) and shall be thrown out as straw to the dunghill, being good for nothing else. God having caused his hand to rest upon this mountain, it shall not be a hand that hangs down, or is folded up, feeble and inactive; but he shall spread forth his hands, in the midst of his people, like one that swims, which intimates that he will employ and exert his power for them vigorously, - that he will be doing for them on all sides, - that he will easily and effectually put by the opposition that is given to his gracious intentions for them, and thereby further and push forward his good work among them, - and that on their behalf he will be continually active, for so the swimmer is. It is foretold, particularly, what he shall do for them. (1.) He shall bring down the pride of their enemies (and Moab was notoriously guilty of pride, Isa 16:6) by one humbling judgment after another, stripping them of that which they are proud of. (2.) He shall bring down the spoils of their hands, shall take from them that which they have got by spoil and rapine. He shall bring down the arms of their hands, which are lifted up against God's Israel; he shall quite break their power, and disable them to do mischief. (3.) He shall ruin all their fortifications, Isa 25:12. Moab has his walls, and his high forts, with which he hopes to secure himself, and from which he designs to annoy the people of God; but God shall bring them all down, lay them low, bring them to the ground, to the dust; and so those who trusted to them will be left exposed. There is no fortress impregnable to Omnipotence, no fort so high but the arm of the Lord can overtop it and bring it down. This destruction of Moab is typical of Christ's victory over death (spoken of Isa 25:8), his spoiling principalities and powers in his cross (Col 2:15), his pulling down Satan's strong-holds by the preaching of his gospel (Co2 10:4), and his reigning till all his enemies be made his footstool, Psa 110:1.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–12. Public domain.
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Commentary on Isaiah
(Verse 9 and following) And they will say on that day: Behold, our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord, we have endured him, we will rejoice and be glad in his salvation. For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain; and Moab shall be crushed under him, as straw is crushed on a threshing floor. And he will stretch out his hands under him, as a swimmer stretches out to swim, and his glory will be humbled with the buffeting of his hands. And the fortifications of your lofty walls will fall, and they will be humiliated and brought down to the ground, even to dust. Swallowed up by death forever, the people of God, who have been delivered from the hand of death, will say to the Lord: Behold, this is our God, whom the unbelievers thought so little of; and we have waited for him, that is, we have believed in his words, because he will fulfill his promises and save us. Therefore, having been rescued from the jaws of death by his help, we will rejoice and be glad in him; and his hand and power will rest on this mountain. Regarding what we read above: When the Lord of hosts reigns on Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and is glorified in the presence of his elders (Isaiah 24:23). But Moab, which means 'from the father', will be crushed like straw is crushed by a wagon. This is spoken according to the custom of Palestine and many provinces of the East, which, due to a shortage of meadows and hay, prepare straw for the feeding of animals. These are iron wagons, with wheels that rotate in the middle like saws, which crush and break the straw into pieces. Therefore, just as wagon wheels crush straw, so Moab would be crushed under him, either under God's power or in itself, so that nothing remains intact in it. And just as a person who swims tends to stretch out their whole body, so he will collide with the ground from his own power and make a crashing sound. All the fortifications of those mighty men, both the walls as stated in Hebrew, will collapse, be humiliated, and be brought down to the ground, shattered into dust. Therefore, although the prophetic discourse generally refers to the consummation of the world, it does not entirely neglect the present. It mentions Moab, who was an enemy of Israel, to such an extent that they committed fornication with the Midianites and consecrated themselves to the idol Beelphegor, which is interpreted as Priapus. Against this idol Jeremiah speaks: Chamos will go into captivity, along with its priests and princes (Jeremiah 48:7). And again: Moab will be confounded with Chamos, just as the house of Israel was confounded with Bethel (Ibid., 13), and similar things can be found throughout. And from one idol and the demon that presided over this idol, it indicates that all opposing strengths are to be humiliated and led into Tartarus, and crushed like dust. But if this is the case, where is the devil's repentance?
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 25:11 powerfully depicts the inevitable and humiliating downfall of a proud entity, often understood as Moab, under the sovereign hand of God. Through the striking simile of a swimmer flailing desperately in deep waters, the verse illustrates the utter futility of human resistance against divine judgment. It emphasizes that God will decisively humble the arrogant, stripping away their self-exalted status and any ill-gotten gains, thereby demonstrating His absolute power over all earthly boasts and achievements.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Isaiah 25:11 is situated within a profound prophetic section of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 24-27, often referred to as "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse." This segment transitions from specific judgments against individual nations to a broader, eschatological vision encompassing global judgment and the ultimate establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Immediately preceding this verse, Isaiah 25:10 explicitly identifies Moab as the object of divine wrath, describing God treading them down "as straw is trodden down for the dunghill." This vivid imagery sets the stage for the desperate struggle portrayed in verse 11, which further elaborates on Moab's unavailing efforts against an overwhelming divine force. The broader context of Isaiah 25 consistently contrasts the glorious future and secure dwelling of God's redeemed people with the destruction and humiliation awaiting His enemies, underscoring the themes of divine justice and ultimate triumph.
Historical & Cultural Context: While the immediate prophetic target is most commonly identified as Moab, the imagery in Isaiah 25:11 serves as a broader archetype for any nation characterized by excessive pride and opposition to God's people. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a long-standing adversary of Israel, consistently condemned for its arrogance and idolatry, as seen in narratives like Numbers 22-24 and prophetic condemnations such as Jeremiah 48. Their inherent pride (gaʼăvâh) was a recurring motif in divine pronouncements against them. The "spoils of their hands" likely refers to their accumulated wealth, military might, or any perceived strength that fueled their haughtiness and defiance. The act of "spreading forth hands" in swimming would have been a common and relatable sight in the ancient world, making the simile particularly poignant. It emphasizes a frantic, desperate, and ultimately unavailing struggle for survival rather than graceful or purposeful movement, resonating with the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East where empires rose and fell, but God's sovereignty remained supreme.
Key Themes: This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Judgment on Pride. God consistently opposes the proud and exalts the humble, a foundational principle echoed throughout Scripture, from Proverbs 16:18 to James 4:6. The explicit targeting of Moab's "pride" (H1346, gaʼăvâh) underscores this divine opposition. Secondly, the desperate swimming imagery vividly illustrates the Futility of Resistance Against God. No human strength, strategy, or self-reliance can withstand God's judgment or thwart His sovereign will. This reinforces God's Absolute Sovereignty over all nations and human endeavors, demonstrating His power to bring down even the mightiest and most arrogant earthly powers. Finally, the mention of "spoils of their hands" touches upon the theme of Justice Regarding Ill-Gotten Gains, implying that wealth, power, or achievements acquired or held in defiance of God will ultimately be stripped away as part of His comprehensive judgment.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 25:11 employs powerful Imagery and a vivid Simile to convey its profound message. The central image of a swimmer desperately spreading forth hands is a striking simile, comparing the struggling nation to someone flailing in water. This is not a swim of progress or escape, but one of futile exertion against an overwhelming, perhaps even drowning, current. The Repetition of "spreadeth forth his hands" emphasizes the frantic, unavailing nature of the struggle. Furthermore, the verse uses Personification by attributing "pride" to the nation as something that can be "brought down," highlighting its inherent character as an active force. The "spoils of their hands" serves as Metonymy, where "hands" represent the nation's efforts, power, and acquisitions. The overall tone is one of Irony, as the very actions taken to survive (spreading hands to swim) ultimately become a symbol of unavoidable doom when faced with divine judgment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 25:11 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering opposition to human pride and His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. It underscores the biblical truth that no nation, no individual, and no human achievement can withstand the divine will when it moves to humble the arrogant. This principle is not merely punitive but also redemptive, clearing the way for God's righteous reign and the establishment of His kingdom, where humility and dependence on Him are paramount. The downfall of the proud is consistently portrayed as a necessary precursor to God's ultimate triumph and the vindication of His humble people, demonstrating that true strength and stability are found only in submission to the Creator.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 25:11 offers a stark and timeless warning against the insidious nature of pride, reminding us that true security and flourishing are found not in self-exaltation or material accumulation, but in humble submission to God. For individuals, this means consistently examining our hearts for any trace of arrogance, self-sufficiency, or a spirit that trusts in its own strength or possessions rather than in the Lord. For communities and nations, it serves as a call to reject nationalistic pride, economic hubris, or military might as ultimate sources of power, recognizing that all human endeavors are ultimately subject to divine judgment. The verse reassures the humble and oppressed that God sees their plight and will ultimately bring justice to those who have exalted themselves at the expense of others. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of humility, gratitude, and dependence on God, understanding that He alone has the power to abase the proud and lift up the lowly, ensuring that His justice and righteousness prevail.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "swimming" imagery in this verse?
Answer: The "swimming" imagery in Isaiah 25:11 is highly significant, portraying a desperate and futile struggle rather than a graceful or successful act. It depicts the proud nation (often understood as Moab) flailing its hands in an attempt to stay afloat against an overwhelming, irresistible force—God's judgment. Unlike a purposeful swimmer, this entity is not moving towards safety or victory but is engaged in a frantic, unavailing effort to avoid being submerged. This vivid simile underscores the absolute power of God and the utter futility of human resistance when confronted with His sovereign will. It emphasizes that no amount of exertion or self-reliance can save those whom God has determined to humble, highlighting the inescapable nature of divine judgment.
Who is the "he" that spreads forth his hands, and who is the "he" that brings down pride?
Answer: In the first part of the verse, "he" refers to the proud entity or nation (e.g., Moab) that is being judged. This "he" is the one struggling desperately, spreading forth his hands like a swimmer trying to stay afloat. This depicts the nation's futile attempts to resist its impending doom. In the second part of the verse, "he" refers to God. It is God who "shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands." The clear shift in the subject of the action highlights God's ultimate sovereignty: the nation struggles in vain, but it is God who decisively acts to humble them and strip away their sources of pride and power. This demonstrates God's active and irresistible role in executing judgment against arrogance. This divine action is consistent with God's character throughout the biblical narrative, as seen in passages like Exodus 15:6 where God's "right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy."
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's judgment against pride in the Bible?
Answer: Isaiah 25:11 is a powerful illustration of a consistent biblical theme: God's unwavering opposition to pride and His commitment to humbling the arrogant. From the tower of Babel in Genesis 11, where human pride led to confusion and dispersion, to the downfall of Pharaoh in Exodus, and the numerous prophetic pronouncements against various proud nations, Scripture repeatedly asserts that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). New Testament passages like James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 reiterate that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." This verse in Isaiah thus serves as a specific, vivid example of this universal divine principle, demonstrating God's active intervention to abase those who exalt themselves, paving the way for His righteous kingdom.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 25:11, while depicting God's judgment against the pride of nations, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the eventual humbling of all human arrogance but preeminently in the profound humility and subsequent exaltation of Jesus Christ. The "he" who brings down pride is ultimately the God revealed in Christ. While human pride leads to desperate, futile struggles and ultimate downfall, Christ exemplified perfect humility, choosing to "empty himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). He did not grasp at divine prerogatives but willingly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). It is through this ultimate act of humility that God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). Thus, while Isaiah 25:11 speaks of God bringing down the pride of the world, Christ's life and sacrifice demonstrate the divine pattern: true exaltation comes through profound humility. Furthermore, Christ's return will be the ultimate bringing down of all human pride and opposition, as every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). He is the one who will finally "tread down" all enemies and establish a kingdom where pride has no place, inviting all to enter through humble faith in Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.