Psalms 119:162

ยถ I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

I rejoice {H7797} at thy word {H565}, as one that findeth {H4672} great {H7227} spoil {H7998}.

I take joy in your promise, like someone who finds much booty.

I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil.

I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil.

Commentary

Psalm 119:162 expresses the psalmist's overflowing joy and triumph derived from God's divine revelation. In a psalm dedicated entirely to the excellence and benefits of God's Word, this verse powerfully compares the delight found in Scripture to the immense satisfaction and gain of a warrior discovering a vast amount of plunder after a significant victory.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem that meticulously praises the various facets of God's law, testimonies, statutes, commandments, and precepts. Throughout its 176 verses, the psalmist consistently declares his love, commitment, and obedience to God's Word, often in the face of affliction and opposition. Verse 162 comes towards the latter part of the psalm, reinforcing the deep, abiding joy that God's truth brings, even amidst life's struggles. The psalmist's personal experience underscores that God's Word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path, guiding and sustaining him.

Key Themes

  • Profound Joy in Divine Revelation: The central message is the intense, almost overwhelming joy the psalmist experiences when engaging with God's Word. It's not a mere intellectual appreciation but a deep emotional delight.
  • The Immense Value of Scripture: By comparing God's Word to "great spoil," the psalmist elevates its value far beyond any earthly treasure or material gain. It suggests that divine truth brings unparalleled richness, security, and satisfaction.
  • Spiritual Victory and Gain: The metaphor of "spoil" implies a battle won. Engaging with God's Word is presented as a means of spiritual victory, yielding invaluable insights, wisdom, and strength that empower believers to overcome life's challenges.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thy word" translates the Hebrew term dabar (ื“ึธึผื‘ึธืจ), which encompasses not only spoken words but also God's entire revealed will, His decrees, promises, and instructions. It refers to the comprehensive body of divine truth that guides human conduct and reveals God's character.

The term "spoil" comes from the Hebrew shalal (ืฉึธืืœึธืœ), referring to plunder or booty taken from an enemy in battle. Finding "great spoil" would signify a decisive victory, immense wealth, and a sense of triumph and security for the victor. The psalmist's joy is thus likened to the elation of a warrior who has not only won a battle but has also gained significant, unexpected, and valuable riches as a result. This intense delight echoes the sentiment found in Jeremiah 15:16, where God's words are described as the joy and rejoicing of the heart.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 119:162 serves as a powerful reminder of how we should approach God's Word. It encourages us to:

  • Cultivate a Spirit of Expectancy: Approach the Bible not as a duty, but as a source of immeasurable spiritual wealth and guidance, expecting to find profound truths and life-changing insights.
  • Find Joy in Obedience: Recognize that true joy comes not just from reading God's commands but from delighting in them and seeking to live by them. This spiritual treasure surpasses any earthly treasure or gold.
  • Embrace Scripture as a Source of Victory: Understand that God's Word equips us for life's battles, providing wisdom, comfort, and strength to navigate challenges and emerge victorious in our faith journey.

This verse challenges us to ask ourselves if we truly rejoice in God's Word with the same fervor as one who has found great and unexpected riches.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 15:16

    Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

  • Psalms 119:72

    ยถ The law of thy mouth [is] better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

  • Psalms 119:111

    ยถ Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they [are] the rejoicing of my heart.

  • 1 Samuel 30:16

    And when he had brought him down, behold, [they were] spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.

  • Isaiah 9:3

    Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil.

  • Proverbs 16:19

    ยถ Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
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