For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Ver. 9. For the eyes of the Lord,] i.e., His fatherly care and providence, which one well compareth to a well-drawn picture, that eyeth all that are in the room. He is not such a God as the Epicures dreamt him to be,
“ Namque deos didici securum agere aevum, ”& c. - Horat.
The Hebrew word for "run to and fro" signifieth, not to take a light view, but to search narrowly into the nature and course of things.
To show himself strong.] Or, To lay strong hold on them, and to add strength to them, that they may do exploits.
Herein thou hast done foolishly.] This was plain dealing, well becoming a prophet: who should not flatter princes, saith Hilary: a since they can do us no greater harm than can a fever, a fire, a fall of a house, &c.
a In Psalm li.