Psalms 119:150

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 119:150 KJV presents a stark contrast between the psalmist's devotion and the dangerous proximity of his adversaries. This verse, embedded within the longest chapter of the Bible, which is a magnificent tribute to God's Word, highlights the spiritual battle faced by those who seek to live righteously.

Context

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem, with each section (eight verses) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Throughout the psalm, the author (traditionally attributed to David, but some scholars suggest Ezra or another faithful Israelite) expresses an intense love for and reliance upon God's law, statutes, precepts, testimonies, and commandments. The psalmist frequently laments the persecution he faces from the proud and wicked, often contrasting their disregard for God's ways with his own unwavering commitment. Verse 150 fits squarely into this narrative, identifying the nature and source of his enemies' hostility.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Opposition: The phrase "They draw nigh that follow after mischief" depicts enemies actively pursuing evil and closing in on the psalmist. These are not passive adversaries but those whose intent is to harm or cause trouble. This highlights the reality of spiritual and physical opposition faced by the righteous.
  • The Root of Wickedness: The core reason for their "mischief" is stated clearly: "they are far from thy law." Their distance from God's divine instruction, His Torah, is the source of their corrupt actions and intentions. This emphasizes that true morality and right living stem from adherence to God's revealed will.
  • The Contrast Between Righteousness and Wickedness: The verse implicitly contrasts the psalmist's deep love for God's law (evident throughout Psalm 119) with the enemies' rebellion. While the psalmist finds life and guidance in the law, his opponents reject it, leading them down paths of destruction and "mischief." This echoes the sentiment found in Romans 8:7 that "the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mischief" is zimmah (ื–ึดืžึธึผื”), which carries connotations of wicked schemes, devices, or even lewdness. It signifies intentional, deliberate evil. The term "law" is Torah (ืชึผื•ึนืจึธื”), which is more than just a set of rules; it encompasses God's instruction, teaching, and divine revelation. To be "far from thy law" means to be estranged from God's wisdom and guidance, leading to destructive behavior.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:150 offers timeless insights for believers today:

  1. Identify the Source of Evil: This verse reminds us that true "mischief" and wickedness stem from a rejection or disregard of God's Word. Those who are "far from thy law" often become instruments of harm.
  2. Cling to God's Word: In a world where evil may "draw nigh," our defense and guidance come from drawing closer to God's law. Just as the psalmist found refuge and direction in the Torah, believers are called to immerse themselves in Scripture for wisdom and protection.
  3. Pray for Discernment and Protection: Recognizing that adversaries may be close, this verse can prompt us to pray for discernment to identify spiritual threats and for God's divine protection against those who plot evil.

Ultimately, Psalms 119:150 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring conflict between those who embrace God's truth and those who reject it, and the profound difference that allegiance to God's law makes in one's life and actions.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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.
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