Isaiah 63:12

12 who caused his glorious arm to march at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name,

Isaiah 63:12 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 63:12

That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious
arm
That is, through the Red sea, as the next clause shows: this was done by the right hand of Moses, and the rod in it, to which Kimchi thinks respect is had; who, by divine order, lifted up his rod, and stretched out his hand over the sea, and divided it, and so led the people through it: but, lest this should be attributed to Moses and his rod, the glorious arm of the Lord is made mention of, which held and guided the right hand of Moses, and from whence came all that power that was exerted on this occasion. Aben Ezra interprets this of the Angel of the Lord, that went before them: it seems to design the arm of omnipotence, which was gloriously displayed, ( Exodus 15:6 ) : dividing the water before them;
the waters of the sea, so that they rose up as a wall on each side them, through which they passed as on dry land: to make himself an everlasting name? or to get himself everlasting honour and glory, as he did on Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen, ( Exodus 14:17 ) and which wonderful action of his has been and ever will be spoken of to the glory of his name, which was the end he had in view.

Isaiah 63:12 In-Context

10 But they rebelled and grieved his holy spirit; therefore he became their enemy; he himself fought against them.
11 Then they remembered the days of old, of Moses his servant. Where is the one who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is the one who put within them his holy spirit,
12 who caused his glorious arm to march at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name,
13 who led them through the depths? Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble.
14 Like cattle that go down into the valley, the spirit of the Lord gave them rest. Thus you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.