Spoils of His Word

BY JORDAN MAYER

“I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.”
Psalm 119:162

The title of this devotional, Spoils of His Word, comes out of Psalm 119:162. The idea of spoils is scattered throughout the Old Testament in the accounts of Israel’s battles with the other nations. I’m sure we are all familiar with the phrase, “To the victor goes the spoils”. That is precisely the idea. Spoils are the reward of victory. After a great battle, the soldiers had the pleasure of discovering what riches lay inside the conquered city. They’d take an inventory of all the treasure and resources, and then divide it among themselves. This imagery is used to describe the experience of opening God’s Word. It conveys the sense of value and delight in beholding and unfolding the very words of Creator God.

Spoil is spoil because it holds great value. It’s fitting, then, that reading Scripture is likened to one who finds great spoil. And yet, in Psalm 119:72, we read God’s Word is even better than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. For while gold and silver are valuable for a time, God’s Word is eternal and its truth impacts lives for eternity.

We are also told that the Word is sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103). Why honey you may ask? It tastes good! As honey is sweet and a delight to the taste buds, so too is the Word a joy and delight to read. It feeds our soul, but it also satisfies our soul. How many times have you returned to the same passage, only to find a fresh truth to meditate and delight in? “My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 24:13-14).

My eager hope and prayer in beginning this devotional is that we may be reminded of the priceless treasure that has been given to us. Not only did God decide to make Himself known to us, He decided to give us His written Word. Compiled over hundreds of years, written by many different authors yet divinely inspired, and shepherded throughout history in order that we might know it and might know Him. May God forgive all the times that we neglect His Word and lose sight of its indescribable worth. Let this devotional be a showroom of sorts. A place where we discover and admire the golden nuggets and precious jewels of His Word. So now, I invite you to come alongside as we open the pages of Scripture and divide the spoils of His Word.