Salvation is far from the wickedThis phrase emphasizes the separation between the wicked and the salvation offered by God. In biblical context, "wicked" refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and commands. The concept of salvation being distant from the wicked is consistent with the teachings found throughout Scripture, such as in
Proverbs 15:29, which states, "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." This separation is not due to God's unwillingness to save but rather the wicked's rejection of His ways. Theologically, this highlights the necessity of repentance and turning towards God to receive salvation.
because they do not seek Your statutes
The reason for the distance of salvation is attributed to the wicked's failure to seek God's statutes. In the Hebrew context, "statutes" refers to the decrees or laws given by God, which are meant to guide His people in righteous living. The importance of seeking God's statutes is a recurring theme inPsalm 119, which repeatedly emphasizes the blessings and wisdom that come from adhering to God's Word. This phrase underscores the idea that a relationship with God and the pursuit of His commandments are essential for salvation. The failure to seek God's statutes is indicative of a heart that is not aligned with God's will, as seen inRomans 3:11, "There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God." This lack of seeking is a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God's salvation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to King David, the psalmist is a devout follower of God, expressing a deep love for God's law and a desire for righteousness.
2.
The WickedThis term refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and statutes, often characterized by a lifestyle that rejects divine guidance.
3.
God's StatutesThese are the laws and commandments given by God, which the psalmist seeks to follow diligently.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Seeking GodSalvation is linked to an active pursuit of God's statutes. It is not enough to merely acknowledge God's existence; one must actively seek to understand and follow His commandments.
The Consequences of WickednessThe wicked are described as being far from salvation, illustrating the spiritual distance created by a life that rejects God's laws. This serves as a warning to evaluate our own lives and ensure we are not drifting from God's path.
The Role of God's Word in SalvationGod's statutes are central to understanding His will and receiving salvation. Regular study and meditation on Scripture are crucial for spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes.
The Call to RepentanceFor those who find themselves far from God, there is always an opportunity to turn back. Repentance and a renewed commitment to God's statutes can restore the relationship with Him.
Living a Righteous LifeThe pursuit of righteousness involves a daily commitment to live according to God's laws, which brings us closer to Him and His salvation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 119:155?
2.How does Psalm 119:155 emphasize the importance of seeking God's statutes for salvation?
3.What actions can we take to ensure we are not "far from salvation"?
4.How does Psalm 119:155 relate to the concept of obedience in James 1:22?
5.In what ways can we daily seek God's statutes to grow spiritually?
6.How does ignoring God's statutes lead to being "far from salvation" in our lives?
7.What does Psalm 119:155 imply about the relationship between salvation and seeking God's statutes?
8.How does Psalm 119:155 challenge the belief in universal salvation?
9.Why does Psalm 119:155 emphasize the distance of salvation from the wicked?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 119?
11.What defines being spiritually lost?
12.What defines being spiritually lost?
13.What is the central message of Psalm 119?
14.What are the main themes of the Psalms?What Does Psalm 119:155 Mean
Salvation is far• The verse opens by stressing distance: deliverance and rescue are not merely delayed but removed to a great span when hearts resist God (Isaiah 59:1-2;Proverbs 15:29).
• Scripture presents salvation as near to all who call on the LORD (Romans 10:13), so the statement underscores that any remoteness is self-imposed, not a failure on God’s part (Psalm 34:18).
from the wicked• “Wicked” describes those whose lives are bent away from God’s righteous standard (Psalm 1:4-6).
• They may appear prosperous (Psalm 73:3-12), yet their moral rebellion places them outside the sphere of God’s saving help (Nahum 1:3).
• The contrast with “the righteous” in the surrounding verses (Psalm 119:153-154, 157) highlights that personal character and conduct matter to God.
because they do not seek• The cause is not intellectual ignorance but a willful refusal to pursue God’s ways (Romans 1:21-25).
• Throughout Scripture “seeking” God implies eager, obedient pursuit (Deuteronomy 4:29;Hebrews 11:6).
• Neglect leads inevitably to hardening of the heart (Zechariah 7:11-12) and, therefore, continued distance from salvation.
Your statutes• Statutes are God’s fixed, authoritative declarations for life (Psalm 19:7-9).
•Psalm 119 repeatedly links love for these statutes with life, freedom, and hope (vv. 45, 93, 111).
• Rejecting them is tantamount to rejecting God Himself (1 Samuel 15:23), so the wicked forfeit the blessing attached to obedience (James 1:25).
summaryPsalm 119:155 teaches that the experience of salvation is inseparable from a heart that actively seeks and submits to God’s revealed Word. Distance from deliverance is not arbitrary; it is the inevitable outcome of choosing rebellion over obedience. To draw near to God’s saving help, one must draw near to His statutes with humble, earnest faith.
Verse 155. - Salv
ation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. "Salvation" is only attainable by man through obedience to the commandments of God. If men will not even "seek" to know and do his commandments, they put "salvation" from them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Salvationיְשׁוּעָ֑ה(yə·šū·‘āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3444:Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperityis farרָח֣וֹק(rā·ḥō·wq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7350:Remote, of place, time, preciousfrom the wickedמֵרְשָׁעִ֣ים(mê·rə·šā·‘îm)Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personbecauseכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthey do notלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noseekדָרָֽשׁוּ׃(ḏā·rā·šū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1875:To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worshipYour statutes.חֻ֝קֶּיךָ(ḥuq·qe·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2706:Something prescribed or owed, a statute
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 119:155 Salvation is far from the wicked (Psalm Ps Psa.)