Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 26:12

12. He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth thorough the proud .

He speaks either 1. of God's dividing the Red-sea for the Israelites to pass over: And consequently the Hebrew word Rahab, which here follows, and is translated pride, or the proud, is meant of Egypt, which is oft called Rahab, as Psalm 87. 4. & 89. 10. Isa. 51. 9. But it seems most probable that that Work was not yet done, and that Iob lived long before Israels coming out of Egypt. Or rather 2. of the common Work of Nature and Providence, in raising Tempests, by which he breaketh or divideth the Waves of the Sea, by making deep Furrows in it, and casting up part of the Waters into the Air, and splitting part of them upon the Rocks and Shores of the Sea.

i. e. By his wise Counsel and administration of things, so as may obtain his own glorious ends.

Either 1. the Whale, which is called King over all the children of pride, Job 41. 34. and which is sometimes by force of Tempests cast upon the shore. Or rather 2. the Sea, which is fitl[illegible: 1+ letters] called proud, as its Waves are called, Iob 38. 11. because it is lofty, and fierce, and swelling, and unruly; which God is said to smite when he subdues and restrains its rage, and turns the storm into a calm.

Marginal references: Isa. 51. 15.; Or, stilleth, Chap. 38. 11.; Heb. pride.