Psalms 119:150
They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
Original Language Analysis
קָ֭רְבוּ
They draw nigh
H7126
קָ֭רְבוּ
They draw nigh
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 5
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
רֹדְפֵ֣י
that follow
H7291
רֹדְפֵ֣י
that follow
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
2 of 5
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
Historical Context
In Israel's history, periods of apostasy were marked by the rise of those who 'followed after mischief'—Baal worship, child sacrifice, injustice. The prophets confronted this pattern repeatedly (Jeremiah 2:5, 7:24).
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between the company you keep ('they draw nigh') and your proximity to or distance from God's law?
- How can you discern when you are drifting away from God's Word before reaching a crisis point?
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Analysis & Commentary
They draw nigh that follow after mischief (קָרְבוּ רֹדְפֵי זִמָּה, qarevu rodefe zimmah)—Pursuers of wickedness (zimmah, lewdness, evil schemes) are approaching. They are far from thy law (מִתּוֹרָתְךָ רָחָקוּ, mi-toratka rachaqu)—The contrast is spatial and moral: proximity to evil corresponds with distance from Torah. Those near wickedness are far from God's instruction.
This verse describes the wicked's trajectory. Psalm 1:1 warns against walking in the counsel of the ungodly—the progressive movement toward sin and away from God. Romans 1:28 speaks of those who "did not like to retain God in their knowledge," resulting in a "reprobate mind." Distance from God's law is not neutral ground—it is the path toward destruction. Conversely, drawing near to God means drawing near to His Word (James 4:8).