Reward Of The Wicked

Defeat of the Wicked

Cook Commentary.- Destruction that might lay thousands in defeat will not affect a trusting believer; rather, he will see…the wicked destroyed.
The psalmist explained that no harm or disaster can befall those who have made the Lord their refuge.

Calvin Commentary.- “A thousand shall fall at you side.” He proceeds to show that, though the state of all men may to appearance be alike, the believer has the special privilege of being exempted from evils of an imminent and impending nature; for it might be objected that he was but man, and, as such, exposed with others to death in its thousand different forms. To correct this mistake, the Psalmist does not hesitate to assert that, when universal ruin prevails around, the Lord’s children are the objects of His distinguished care, and are preserved amidst the general destruction. The lesson is one which is needed by us all, that, though naturally subject to the common evils which are spread around, we are privileged with a special exemption which secures our safety in the midst of dangers. There is much that is dark in the aspect of things in this world, yet the Psalmist hints that, amidst all the confusion which reigns, we may collect from what we see of God’s judgments, that he does not disappoint the expectations of His believing people. He must be considered, however, as addressing those who have eyes to see, who are privileged with the true light of faith, who are fully awakened to the consideration of the Divine judgments, and who wait patiently and quietly till the proper time arrive; for most men stagger and confuse their minds upon this subject, by starting to precipitate conclusions, and are prevented from discovering the providence of God by judging according to sense.

Spurgeon Commentary.- “Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked.” The sight shall reveal both the justice and the mercy of God; in them that perish the severity of God will be manifest, and in the believer’s escape the richness of divine goodness will be apparent.