Those who follow after wickedness draw near;This phrase highlights the presence and proximity of those who pursue evil. In biblical context, "wickedness" often refers to actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's will and commandments. The psalmist frequently encounters adversaries who oppose God's ways, reflecting the ongoing spiritual battle between righteousness and sin. Historically, Israel faced numerous threats from surrounding nations and internal corruption, which can be seen as a backdrop for this verse. The idea of wickedness drawing near suggests an imminent threat or pressure, a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful are often surrounded by enemies. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who faced opposition from those who rejected His message and sought to harm Him.
they are far from Your law.
This part of the verse contrasts the proximity of the wicked with their distance from God's law. The "law" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's instructions and commandments for His people. Being "far from Your law" implies a deliberate rejection or ignorance of God's statutes. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, adherence to the law was central to maintaining a covenant relationship with God. This distance from the law signifies a spiritual and moral separation from God. Theologically, this separation underscores the need for redemption and the transformative power of God's Word, which is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who embodies the law and offers a path back to God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The PsalmistThe author of
Psalm 119, traditionally believed to be King David, who expresses a deep love for God's law and a desire for righteousness.
2.
Followers of WickednessIndividuals who pursue evil and are characterized by their distance from God's law.
3.
God's LawThe divine instructions and commandments given by God, which are central to the life and faith of the Psalmist.
Teaching Points
The Reality of OppositionRecognize that those who pursue wickedness will often be close in proximity but far in spirit from God's law. This is a reality believers must be prepared to face.
The Importance of God's LawEmphasize the significance of God's law as a guide for righteous living. It is not merely a set of rules but a reflection of God's character and will for our lives.
Spiritual Proximity vs. Physical ProximityUnderstand that physical closeness to those who are wicked does not necessitate spiritual alignment. Believers are called to remain steadfast in God's law despite external influences.
Guarding Against InfluenceBe vigilant in guarding your heart and mind against the influence of those who are far from God's law. This requires intentional engagement with Scripture and prayer.
Drawing Near to GodEncourage a proactive approach to drawing near to God through regular study of His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 119:150?
2.How can Psalm 119:150 guide us in dealing with those who pursue evil?
3.What does "they are near" reveal about the psalmist's awareness of threats?
4.How does Psalm 119:150 connect with Ephesians 6:12 about spiritual warfare?
5.In what ways can we remain steadfast when "wicked pursuers" draw near?
6.How can prayer strengthen us against adversaries, as seen in Psalm 119:150?
7.What does Psalm 119:150 reveal about the nature of those who oppose God's followers?
8.How does Psalm 119:150 challenge our understanding of divine protection against adversaries?
9.In what ways does Psalm 119:150 reflect the historical context of its writing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 119?
11.In the New Testament, certain laws seem superseded by new teachings (e.g., Hebrews 8:13); how does this harmonize with Psalm 119's emphasis on the perpetuity of God's law (Psalm 119)?
12.Is the Law of Moses eternal? (Psalm 119:160 vs. Hebrews 8:13)
13.The psalm insists that following God's laws brings peace and protection, yet other Bible passages show faithful people enduring suffering and persecution (Psalm 119:165).
14.How does meditation deepen your understanding of God's word?What Does Psalm 119:150 Mean
Those who follow after wickedness• The phrase identifies deliberate pursuers of evil, not the occasional stumbler. Scripture portrays such people as actively scheming: “For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are robbed of slumber unless they make someone fall” (Proverbs 4:16).
• Their behavior is willful and sustained.Romans 1:29–32 catalogs those “filled with all unrighteousness,” underscoring that wickedness is a chosen path rather than an accident.
• By opening with this clause, the psalmist affirms that evil has real agents in the world. Believers must recognize the presence of those who intentionally oppose God (2 Timothy 3:13).
draw near• Evil people “draw near” in the sense of proximity and pressure. The psalmist often experiences their pursuit: “The wicked wait to destroy me, but I will ponder Your testimonies” (Psalm 119:95).
• Closeness here means threat, not fellowship—similar to how Jesus observed, “My betrayer is at hand” (Matthew 26:46).
• For the faithful, this reminds us that hostility can feel immediate: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). Yet the nearness of God (Psalm 34:18) remains greater than any encroaching wickedness.
they are far from Your law• Though physically close to the psalmist, the wicked stand at a vast moral distance from God’s instruction.Jeremiah 6:19 declares, “They have not listened to My words and have rejected My instruction.”
• Distance from God’s law produces blindness: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Rejecting truth leaves them without the light that guides (Psalm 119:105).
• The contrast is stark: closeness in attack, remoteness in obedience. They may surround the believer, but they are estranged from the very standard that guarantees life (Deuteronomy 32:47).
summaryPsalm 119:150 highlights a paradox: evildoers can stand right next to God’s people while standing far away from God Himself. Their pursuit is intentional, their presence intimidating, yet their hearts have rejected the life-giving authority of God’s Word. The verse reassures believers that closeness of opposition never nullifies the unchanging truth of Scripture, which remains our sure defense and ultimate judge of all who stray from its commands.
(150, 151)
Near.--Notice the antithesis.
They, the wicked,are
nearwith their temptation to sin and their hindrances to virtue.
Thouart near with the aid and support of Thy law.
Verse 150. -
They draw nigh;
i.
e. come near me to threaten me. That follow after mischief; or, "after wickedness."
They are far from thy Law (comp. vers. 21, 53, 118, 126, 136, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Those who followרֹדְפֵ֣י(rō·ḏə·p̄ê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7291:To pursue, chase, persecuteafter wickednessזִמָּ֑ה(zim·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2154:A plan, device, wickednessdraw near;קָ֭רְבוּ(qā·rə·ḇū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachthey are farרָחָֽקוּ׃(rā·ḥā·qū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7368:To be or become far or distantfrom Your law.מִתּוֹרָתְךָ֥(mit·tō·w·rā·ṯə·ḵā)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8451:Direction, instruction, law
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 119:150 They draw near who follow after wickedness (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
