“I rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” (Psa. 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. 20:14), 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. 2:10) 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. 7:8).
M. Payette