Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 25:11

"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." — Isaiah 25:11 (ASV)

As he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim. — The structure of the sentence leaves it uncertain whether the comparison applies to:

1. Jehovah spreading out His hands with the swimmer’s strength to repress the pride of Moab;
2. the outstretched hands upon the Cross; or
3. Moab vainly struggling in the deep waters of calamity.

Each view has the support of commentators. The last option seems beyond question most in harmony with the context. Ineffective struggles for preservation naturally suggest the parallel, “like some strong swimmer in his agony” (Psalms 69:1–2; Psalms 69:14).

In the second clause there is, of course, no reason for doubt. It is Jehovah who brings down the pride of the guilty nation.