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Psalm 23:6 – Chased By God
An addict told he tried to stay away from God, but God chased him down. Now exactly what he meant, I don’t know. But is he far off? Does the Bible teach we are chased by God?
One of the advantages of using different translations is they use different words. Different words spark different thoughts. One of the most beloved lines in one of the most beloved psalms reads, “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalms 23:6 [NASB]). “Follows” suggests someone or something is behind, but doesn’t imply motive. When I don’t know directions, I follow the car in front of me; and stalkers follow too! A more specific translation of radaph is “pursue, chase, persecute.” Some translations show this in translating it “pursue” (HCSB; CSB; NET). The psalmist is using irony. Instead of enemies (v.5) pursuing him, “only goodness and faithful love” will. God chases us with his blessings! I suggest we let God catch us!
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