Psalms 119:115
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:115
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, hope, discipleship. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-176: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 119:115
115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
Analysis
Depart from me, ye evildoers (סוּרוּ־מִמֶּנִּי מְרֵעִים, suru-mimmenni mere'im)—a command for immediate separation. The verb sur means turn aside, depart, remove. This echoes Jesus's eschatological judgment: Depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matt 7:23, 25:41). The psalmist exercises spiritual authority to expel corrupting influences from his presence.
The reason: for I will keep the commandments of my God (וְאֶצְּרָה מִצְוֹת אֱלֹהָי, ve'etzrah mitzvot elohai). The verb natsar means guard, watch over, preserve—vigilant protection. Keeping God's commands requires separation from those who undermine obedience. Paul commands: From such turn away (2 Tim 3:5). Nehemiah physically expelled Tobiah from the temple (Neh 13:8). This is not pharisaical exclusivism but spiritual self-preservation—you cannot keep God's commandments while embracing evildoers who mock them.
Historical Context
In Israel's history, compromise with ungodly neighbors led to apostasy (Judges, 1-2 Kings). Ezra and Nehemiah's reforms required radical separation from pagan influences. For persecuted believers, choosing God's commands over peer pressure from evildoers was costly but necessary.
Reflection
- What relationships or influences need to 'depart' from your life to protect your obedience to God?
- How do you balance Jesus's call to reach sinners with the psalmist's command for separation from evildoers?
- In what situations does keeping God's commandments require you to expel corrupting influences?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Evil: Psalms 26:5, 139:19, Joshua 24:15, Matthew 25:41, 1 Corinthians 15:33
- Parallel theme: Psalms 6:8, 26:9, 119:106, Matthew 7:23