Psalms 119:150

KJV

¶ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

KJV (with Strong's)

They draw nigh {H7126} that follow {H7291} after mischief {H2154}: they are far {H7368} from thy law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The pursuers of carnality are getting close; they are distancing themselves from your Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Your law.

American Standard Version

They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:150 vividly portrays the psalmist's perilous situation, surrounded by adversaries who actively pursue evil and draw near with malicious intent. This verse starkly contrasts their proximity and wicked aims with their fundamental estrangement from God's divine law, highlighting that their "mischief" is a direct consequence of their rebellion against divine instruction. It encapsulates the perennial conflict between the righteous, who cling to God's truth, and the wicked, whose distance from His Word fuels their destructive actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem where each of its 22 sections (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet) contains eight verses, all beginning with the same Hebrew letter. The entire psalm is a profound meditation on and adoration of God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, and decrees. The psalmist consistently expresses an unwavering love for and reliance upon God's Word, often lamenting the persecution and opposition he faces from the proud and wicked who disregard divine truth. Verse 150 falls within the "Qoph" (ק) section (verses 145-152), a segment characterized by fervent appeals to God for help and deliverance from enemies, emphasizing the psalmist's earnest cries and God's faithfulness, despite the proximity of his foes. The psalmist's plea for God to "draw near" in [Psalms 119:149](/psalms/119-149 "Psalms 119:149 - Appeal for God's Mercy") directly precedes this verse, intensifying the contrast between God's desired nearness and the enemies' threatening proximity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting of Psalm 119 is not explicitly stated, but the themes resonate with the experiences of faithful Israelites throughout their history. In ancient Israel, God's "law" (Torah) was the foundational covenant document, central to national identity, worship, and daily life. To be "far from God's law" was not merely a philosophical disagreement but a rejection of the very basis of their relationship with Yahweh, leading to social disorder, injustice, and moral decay. The psalmist's adversaries likely represent those within Israelite society (or surrounding nations) who had abandoned God's covenant, choosing paths of wickedness and oppression. The "mischief" they pursue could range from legal injustice and social marginalization to physical threats, reflecting the constant struggle of the righteous minority against a corrupt majority, a theme seen throughout the prophetic books and historical narratives, such as the challenges faced by Nehemiah in [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Wall").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **the nature of wickedness**: it is active, intentional, and driven by a deliberate departure from God's truth. The "mischief" (Hebrew: *zimmah*) is not accidental but a chosen path. Secondly, it highlights **the centrality of God's Law**: the verse implicitly argues that adherence to God's law is the bedrock of righteousness, while distance from it is the root of all evil. The psalmist's entire life is defined by his love for the Torah, contrasting sharply with his enemies' rebellion. This echoes the wisdom found in [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way that Seems Right") where "there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Finally, it emphasizes **the conflict between righteousness and wickedness**: the psalmist, devoted to God's law, finds himself under attack from those who reject it. This spiritual battle is a recurring motif in Scripture, depicting the ongoing tension between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness, a struggle that believers continue to experience as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nigh (Hebrew, _qārav'_):** This verb means "to draw near," "to approach," or "to come close." In this context, it conveys the active, encroaching presence of the psalmist's enemies. It's not that they are merely present, but they are *drawing* closer, suggesting a deliberate and threatening advance, intensifying the sense of danger and vulnerability for the psalmist.
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _zimmah'_):** This noun carries a strong connotation of wicked schemes, evil devices, depravity, or even lewdness. It signifies intentional, premeditated evil, not accidental wrongdoing. It suggests a deep-seated moral corruption that manifests in harmful actions and plots against the righteous. This word is often used in contexts of moral perversion and deliberate sin, as seen in [Leviticus 18:17](/leviticus/18-17 "Leviticus 18:17 - Prohibited Sexual Relations").
* **Law (Hebrew, _torah'_):** More than just a set of legal codes, *Torah* encompasses God's comprehensive instruction, teaching, and divine revelation. It is God's wisdom for living, His revealed will for humanity, providing guidance, light, and life. To be "far from thy law" means to be estranged from God's wisdom, guidance, and very nature, leading to moral blindness and destructive behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They draw nigh that follow after mischief":** This clause immediately establishes the active threat posed by the psalmist's adversaries. The phrase "follow after mischief" (literally, "pursue mischief") indicates that their actions are not random but are driven by a deliberate, intentional commitment to evil. These are not passive opponents but those whose very purpose and pursuit are rooted in wicked schemes and harmful intentions, actively closing in on the psalmist.
* **"they are far from thy law":** This second clause provides the theological explanation and moral diagnosis for the enemies' "mischief." Their active pursuit of evil stems directly from their profound estrangement from God's *Torah*. Their distance from divine instruction means they lack the moral compass, wisdom, and life-giving principles that God's law provides. This spiritual and moral alienation from God's revealed will is the root cause of their corrupt actions and hostile intentions towards the righteous.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** to highlight the stark difference between the psalmist's devotion to God's law and his enemies' rejection of it. While the psalmist continually draws near to God's law (as evidenced throughout the psalm), his enemies are depicted as "far from thy law," yet paradoxically "draw nigh" to the psalmist. This creates a powerful tension. There is also a subtle use of **Metaphor**, where being "far from thy law" serves as a metaphor for moral and spiritual estrangement from God Himself, leading to a life characterized by "mischief." The phrase "follow after mischief" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, giving "mischief" an active quality that can be pursued, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the enemies' evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:150 profoundly articulates a fundamental biblical truth: the source of human wickedness and hostility is a departure from God's revealed will. Those who are "far from thy law" inevitably become agents of "mischief," as their moral compass is distorted, and their actions are no longer constrained by divine truth. This verse underscores the inherent conflict between light and darkness, between those who embrace God's life-giving instruction and those who reject it, leading to a path of self-destruction and harm to others. It implicitly argues that true righteousness and societal well-being are inextricably linked to adherence to God's law, while its abandonment breeds chaos and oppression. The psalmist's experience reflects the universal struggle of faith against the forces of unrighteousness, demonstrating that the spiritual battle is often manifested in tangible opposition from those who reject God's authority.

* [Proverbs 4:14-19](/proverbs/4-14-19 "Proverbs 4:14-19 - Do Not Enter the Path of the Wicked")
* [Romans 8:7-8](/romans/8-7-8 "Romans 8:7-8 - The Carnal Mind's Enmity Against God")
* [1 John 3:4](/1_john/3-4 "1 John 3:4 - Sin is Lawlessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly characterized by moral relativism and a rejection of absolute truth, Psalms 119:150 serves as a powerful and timely reminder. It compels us to recognize that genuine "mischief" – whether it manifests as overt hostility, systemic injustice, or subtle deception – ultimately stems from a heart estranged from God's divine instruction. As believers, we are called to discern the true source of opposition we face, understanding that those who "draw nigh" with harmful intent are often those who are "far from thy law." This verse is not an invitation to condemnation but a call to greater vigilance and commitment to God's Word. Our defense against the encroaching darkness, and our path to living a life of integrity and purpose, is found in drawing ever closer to God's law, allowing it to illuminate our steps, shape our character, and guide our interactions. It encourages us to pray for discernment to identify spiritual threats and for God's protection, while simultaneously deepening our own immersion in Scripture, knowing that therein lies our wisdom, strength, and refuge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we identify "mischief" in our contemporary society, and how might its roots be traced back to a departure from God's law?**
* **In what practical ways can we ensure that we are not "far from thy law," but continually drawing closer to God's Word in our daily lives?**
* **How does understanding the source of opposition (distance from God's law) change our perspective on those who act with hostility or malice?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "law" (Torah) in Psalm 119, and why is being "far from it" so detrimental?**

Answer: In Psalm 119, "law" (Hebrew: *Torah*) is far more than a mere collection of rules or legal statutes. It represents God's complete revelation of Himself and His will for humanity. It encompasses His instruction, teaching, precepts, testimonies, and commandments—all of which are seen as perfect, trustworthy, righteous, and true. The psalmist views the *Torah* as a source of light, life, wisdom, joy, and guidance. To be "far from thy law," therefore, is to be estranged from God's very nature, His wisdom, and His life-giving truth. It implies a rejection of divine authority and a chosen path of rebellion. This estrangement leads to moral corruption, spiritual blindness, and ultimately, the pursuit of "mischief" (wicked schemes) because the individual or group lacks the divine standard by which to discern good from evil. It results in a life that is out of alignment with God's design, leading to destructive actions and intentions, as highlighted in [Proverbs 29:18](/proverbs/29-18 "Proverbs 29:18 - Where There is No Vision").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:150 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's lament about those who "draw nigh that follow after mischief" and are "far from thy law" perfectly prefigures the opposition Jesus faced throughout His earthly ministry. The religious leaders of His day, despite their outward adherence to the law, were spiritually "far from thy law" in their hearts, actively pursuing "mischief" against Him, culminating in their plots to crucify the [Son of God](/john/19-7 "John 19:7 - Jesus, the Son of God"). Jesus, however, was the only one who perfectly embodied complete devotion to God's law, declaring that He came not to abolish but to [fulfill the Law](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). He lived a life of perfect obedience, demonstrating what it truly means to be "near" God's law in every thought, word, and deed. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of sin, including the "mischief" of humanity, and through His resurrection, He triumphed over all the forces of evil that draw nigh. For believers, Christ is our ultimate deliverance from those who follow mischief, and through Him, the law is not merely an external code but is written upon our hearts by the [Holy Spirit](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), enabling us to walk in newness of life and draw near to God in truth, as promised in the [new covenant](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Proverbs 28:9

¶ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.

2 Samuel 17:16

Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.

1 Samuel 23:16

And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

Psalms 22:16

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Psalms 22:11

¶ Be not far from me; for trouble [is] near; for [there is] none to help.

Psalms 22:13

They gaped upon me [with] their mouths, [as] a ravening and a roaring lion.