Psalms Chapter 119 · Verse 162
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Jeremiah 15:16Thy 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 119:72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.Psalms 119:111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.1 Samuel 30:16And 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 9:3Thou 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.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare made spoil a primary economic motivation (Judges 5:30; 1 Samuel 30:16). The comparison isn't about greed but about unexpected treasure after costly battle. The psalmist has fought to maintain Word-loyalty (v. 161); now he discovers the Word itself as his reward—more valuable than all material gain.
Questions for Reflection
- What would it look like practically to rejoice over Scripture as though you'd found 'great spoil' after battle?
- How does comparing God's Word to battle plunder challenge consumeristic or merely sentimental views of Bible reading?
- In what ways is the joy of discovering truth in Scripture similar to unexpected treasure after costly struggle?
Analysis & Commentary
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil (שָׂשׂ אָנֹכִי עַל־אִמְרָתֶךָ כְּמוֹצֵא שָׁלָל רָב, sas anokhi al-imratekha kemotzeh shalal rav)—Sus means 'exult, rejoice, be glad.' Shalal is battle plunder, war spoil, the victor's bounty. Rav intensifies: 'abundant, great, much.' The psalmist's joy over imrah (word, utterance, promise) matches a warrior's elation over rich battlefield plunder.
This echoes 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.' Jesus embodies this in His wilderness temptation, valuing God's Word above bread (Matthew 4:4).