By Nick Bibile
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall FOLLOW me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (ESV)
Most English Bibles have a weak translation when it comes to Psalm 23:6, ‘surely his goodness and mercy shall FOLLOW me. Although I admire most translations, when it comes to this portion when it says, ‘follow’ is not strong enough to show the real meaning in context.
According to Old Testament Bible scholars, Laird Harris, Gleason Archer and Bruce Waltke on Theological WordBook of the Old Testament, there is the following note on this issue.
“In the well known phrase from Psalm 23, God’s blessing is said to ‘follow’ (KJV, RSV, v6) which is not strong enough for the sense of the root. It should be more active”
The Hebrew word is רָדַף - (radaph) means to pursue, chase, hounded, even sometimes to allow persecution.
God in his effectual love for his children as our heavenly Father will discipline his loving children by pursuing us chasing after and heaven hounding us for our own spiritual benefit. C.H. Spurgeon said, God is educating us here on earth for heaven.
Following is the Literal Standard Version which says, ‘pursue’
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and kindness pursue me | All the days of my life, | And my dwelling [is] in the house of YHWH, | For [the] length of [my] days!
When bad things happen to God’s elect children, there is a purpose which we cannot understand. Instead of asking why and questioning God, we should submit to the sovereignty of God.
We are like clay and God is the potter, sometimes the potter will take a piece of clay out from the potter - ouch! That hurts! But God will make a more beautiful pot, he will refine us with fire, it may hurt us in this life but God is preparing us for heaven!
1 Peter 4:12 -13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.