The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things.
Spoliation
1. Thewicked are usually merciless towards the godly, spoiling them and theirs in most cruel manner, if the Lord restrain them not (Psa_53:4; Psa_137:7).
2. The outward things of this world are uncertain, and made subject to the violence of the wicked.
(1) Learn not to desire the things of this life too much.
(2) Learn, when God guideth them unto us, to employ them aright.
3. The outward things and means of God’s service are often made a prey to the enemies; especially upon our abusing of them (Jer_7:13; Luk_19:44).
4. The injuries that the wicked do unto the godly in their sight, are more grievous unto them than those that they do only hear of.
5. The wicked make havoc of and scorn all the exercises of religion.
6. The outward ordinances of God are of reverent account to them that fear His name.
7. Those that be open wicked ones are not (without their open repentance) to be admitted to the holy exercises of religion. (J. Udall.)
