Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Peter has in mind Christ's warning to himself to watch against Satan, from forgetting which he fell.
Be sober . . . vigilant--"Care," that is, anxiety, will intoxicate the soul; therefore be sober, that is, self-restrained. Yet, lest this freedom from care should lead any to false security, he adds, "Be vigilant" against "your adversary." Let this be your "care." God provides, therefore do not be anxious. The devil seeks, therefore watch [BENGEL].
because--omitted in the oldest manuscripts The broken and disjointed sentences are more fervid and forcible. LUCIFER OF CAGLIARI reads as English Version.
adversary--literally, "opponent in a court of justice" (Zechariah 3:1). "Satan" means opponent. "Devil," accuser or slanderer (Revelation 12:10). "The enemy" (Matthew 13:39). "A murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). He counteracts the Gospel and its agents. "The tempter."
roaring lion--implying his violent and insatiable thirst for prey as a hungry lion. Through man's sin he got God's justice on his side against us; but Christ, our Advocate, by fulfilling all the demands of justice for us, has made our redemption altogether consistent with justice.
walketh about-- (Job 1:7; Job 2:2). So the children of the wicked one cannot rest. Evil spirits are in 2 Peter 2:4; Judges 1:6, said to be already in chains of darkness and in hell. This probably means that this is their doom finally: a doom already begun in part; though for a time they are permitted to roam in the world (of which Satan is prince), especially in the dark air that surrounds the earth. Hence perhaps arises the miasma of the air at times, as physical and moral evil are closely connected.
devour--entangle in worldly "care" (1 Peter 5:7) and other snares, so as finally to destroy. Compare Revelation 12:15-16.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Job 1:7
Song of Solomon 4:8
Daniel 6:22
Luke 22:3
1 Corinthians 5:5
1 Thessalonians 5:6
2 Timothy 4:17
1 Peter 5:1
2 Peter 2:4
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