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Psalm 23:6

by Stanley Hasegawa  
11/06/2009 / Bible Studies

Here is the Net Bible translation of Psalm 23:6 with notes:

Surely your goodness and faithfulness (1) will pursue (2) me all my days, and I will live in the Lord's house for the rest of my life. (Psalm 23:6 Net Bible)

(1) The noun חֶסֶד (khesed; v. 6) has been the subject of several monographs. G. R. Clark concludes that חֶסֶד "is not merely an attitude or an emotion; it is an emotion that leads to an activity beneficial to the recipient." He explains that an act of חֶסֶד is "a beneficent action performed, in the context of a deep and enduring commitment between two persons or parties, by one who is able to render assistance to the needy party who in the circumstances is unable to help him- or herself." (See G. R. Clark, The Word Hesed in the Hebrew Bible [JSOTSup], 267.) HALOT 336-37 s.v. defines the word as "loyalty," or "faithfulness." Other appropriate meanings might be "commitment" and "devotion."

(2) tn The use of רָדַף (radaf, "pursue, chase") with טוֹב וָחֶסֶד (tov vakhesed, "goodness and faithfulness") as subject is ironic. This is the only place in the entire OT where either of these nouns appears as the subject of this verb רָדַף (radaf, "pursue"). This verb is often used to describe the hostile actions of enemies. One might expect the psalmist's enemies (see v. 5) to chase him, but ironically God's "goodness and faithfulness" (which are personified and stand by metonymy for God himself) pursue him instead. The word "pursue" is used outside of its normal context in an ironic manner and creates a unique, but pleasant word picture of God's favor (or a kind God) "chasing down" the one whom he loves.

Psalm 23 is very precious to me. This is especially true because it was a great comfort and encouragement to me during a very difficult period in my life. Here is how I am trying to meditate on Psalm 23:6

"Surely your goodness and your faithful, loyal-love will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord's house for the rest of my life."

God's goodness and faithful, loyal-love allow me to live in his house for the rest of my live - from now on, regardless of my past.

God's goodness and faithful, loyal-love will pursue me each and every day for the rest of my life. I know that I do not always remain in the presence of the Father of my own accord. I need for God to pursue me, not because I do certain things well for him, but because of his goodness and faithful, loyal love for me. Here is a promise that meets me at my point of need.

God wants me to experience his goodness and faithful loyal-love so much that he pursues me each and every day of my life. How can that be? Why should anyone be so loyal to me, so faithful to me, so good to me... again and again and again in spite of what I do that distances me from God... again and again and again?

I am richly blessed in my marriage. I have two grown children. I am semi-retired. I have been a computer programmer, systems analyst, househusband and homeschool teacher. I love to walk, talk and eat, and write short articles about devoting our lives to Jesus.

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