Isaiah 63:12

12 Where is the one whose power was displayed when Moses lifted up his hand— the one who divided the sea before them, making himself famous forever?

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 against him and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he became their enemy and fought against them.

11 Then they remembered those days of old when Moses led his people out of Egypt. They cried out, “Where is the one who brought Israel through the sea, with Moses as their shepherd? Where is the one who sent his Holy Spirit to be among his people?

12 Where is the one whose power was displayed when Moses lifted up his hand— the one who divided the sea before them, making himself famous forever?

13 Where is the one who led them through the bottom of the sea? They were like fine stallions racing through the desert, never stumbling.

14 As with cattle going down into a peaceful valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led your people, LORD, and gained a magnificent reputation.”