John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong , etc.] Such as have been taken by an enemy, who have been stripped of their armour, and spoiled of all their goods and substance, and have no friends nor allies, nor anything to help themselves with; the Lord can supply them with strength, furnish them with weapons, and send them helpers, so that they shall rise up against their conquerors and spoilers, and in their turn subdue them.
The Targum is, “that strengthens the weak against the strong;” or causes the weak to prevail over the strong. A learned man, from the use of the word in the Arabic language, chooses to render it, “who intends”, or “designs, destruction to the strong” f124 ; that is, in his secret purposes, and which he brings about in providence; though he is doubtful whether it may not have the signification of recreation and refreshment, and whether the construction and circumstances will admit of it; and some do so translate it, “who refreshes himself with destruction against the strong” f125 ; takes delight and pleasure in it; it is a recreation to him: so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress : lay siege to it and take it, in which the spoiler thought himself secure with the spoil and substance he had taken from the spoiled; such sudden changes and vicissitudes can God bring upon men when he pleases. Some apply this to the Romans strengthened against the Jews, and besieging their fortified city Jerusalem; but not very aptly.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-17 - The same almighty power can, for repenting sinners, easily tur affliction and sorrow into prosperity and joy, and as easily turn the prosperity of daring sinners into utter darkness. Evil times will no bear plain dealing; that is, evil men will not. And these men were evi men indeed, when wise and good men thought it in vain even to speak to them. Those who will seek and love that which is good, may help to sav the land from ruin. It behoves us to plead God's spiritual promises, to beseech him to create in us a clean heart, and to renew a right spiri within us. The Lord is ever ready to be gracious to the souls that see him; and then piety and every duty will be attended to. But as for sinful Israel, God's judgments had often passed by them, now they shal pass through them.
Original Hebrew המבליג1082 שׁד7701 על5921 עז5794 ושׁד7701 על5921 מבצר4013 יבוא׃935
