In Psalm 23, Goodness and Mercy Don't Gently Follow You — the Hebrew Says They Hunt You Down
Did you know the "follow" in "goodness and mercy shall follow me" is the word for an army in hot pursuit?
Watch the teaching
Premieres
Your cookie settings are holding the video player back. Watch on YouTube
This teaching is free because people give. Partner with us.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..." — Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)— Psalm 23:6
Most people picture Psalm 23:6 as goodness and mercy taking a gentle stroll a few steps behind. The Hebrew tells a far more aggressive story.
"Surely" is the word akh — only, certainly, surely. David is not hoping. After the valley of the shadow of death and the table set before his enemies, he is making an absolute declaration.
And "follow" is radaph (רָדַף, Strong's H7291) — the verb used for an army in hot pursuit of a fleeing enemy. Read it again with that force: goodness and mercy are not ambling along behind you. They are chasing you down, every single day of your life. You do not have to find God's goodness. You could not outrun it if you tried.
Why It Matters
You are not chasing blessing — it is chasing you. The restored life moves through difficulty with God's goodness and mercy in active, relentless pursuit.
Next in your path"It Is Finished" Was the Word Written Across Paid-in-Full Receipts Get Fresh Biblical Discoveries
Quick insights delivered to your inbox — curiosity-driven and Scripture-grounded.
, your seat at the table is saved. Your seat at the table is saved.
We just sent a confirmation email to . Click the link inside to lock it in — that's how we keep this list clean and your inbox uncluttered.
If you don't see it in the next few minutes, check your spam folder or promotions tab. Add info@jc-ministries.org to your contacts so future notes land in your main inbox.
For the Kingdom. Amen.