Great Spoil

Psalm 119:62  •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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“I rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” (Psa. 119:162162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. (Psalm 119:162)).
This well-known verse is often interpreted giving the sense of “treasure” to the word “spoil.” Assuredly, the Word of God is an incomparable treasure, but the word spoil has a more precise meaning. Spoil speaks of that which is precious. Yet it means more than a treasure. It is the result of conquest (Deut. 20:1414But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the Lord thy God hath given thee. (Deuteronomy 20:14)), effort and deep research. This meaning gives us to understand that the treasures of God’s Word are only accessible through expended effort.
In nature, the treasures of the earth are only accessible after digging deep and searching diligently—as with gold or other precious metals or stones. Pearls also are buried—in the depths of the ocean. The ground and the sea only yield their riches after toil and energy are spent.
It is so with the things of God. Eternal salvation is freely accessible and offered to all (being received by simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross). But, in contrast, the infinite depths of the revelation of God cannot be sounded in any measure save by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:1010But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)) and by diligence of spirit. The spoil is there, waiting to reveal its secret treasures to those who so desire it that they are willing to search diligently for it (Matt. 7:88For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:8)).
M. Payette