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Answer
Psalm 23 illustrates the intimate relationship David shares with his God. It commences with the analogy of a shepherd guiding his sheep, emphasizing the Lord’s individual care, direction, and protection. Towards the end, the symbolism deepens with increased closeness as David is invited into the Lord’s abode as a permanent guest, continual dweller, and companion: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:5-6;ESV).
David recognizes that his relationship with the Lord is not that of a visitor who is entertained briefly and then must depart or as one who is asked to return only occasionally. Instead, David celebrates that he has been granted a permanent place at the Lord’s table.
Anointing a person’s head with oil was an ancient gesture of politeness, honor, and hospitality extended to guests. In Psalm 23, David views himself as an esteemed guest of the Lord, who invites him to a meal, graciously anoints him, and pours out such abundant blessings that David’s cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy are portrayed as companions in the Lord’s household who accompany David throughout his life. The term for “goodness” in the original language signifies “that which is pleasing, valuable, or useful.” The term for “mercy” is sometimes interpreted as “loyal love,” “steadfast love,” or “unfailing love.” This same term is used to describe God’s love in connection with the faithfulness of His covenant. The verb translated as “follow” in this context means “to accompany or go with,” not to be understood as “pursue or chase after.”
When David declared, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,” he was attributing human-like qualitie
Realities to abstract blessings of the Lord. A paraphrase might be, “Because You, Lord, are good, pleasing, and valuable, and because You love me so faithfully, I am certain You will be with me all my life.”
David’s good and merciful Shepherd is the same God who passed in front of Moses: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” «And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, », (Exodus 34:6, ESV). He is the same God to whom Israel sang, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” «O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; For his mercy endureth for ever. », (1 Chronicles 16:34). Even in the presence of his enemies, David was sure of God’s goodness and faithful love «Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. », (Psalm 23:5).
As believers, we can trust that the Lord’s overflowing blessings will remain with us no matter what circumstances we face (Psalm 27:13; Psalm 31:19; Psalm 69:16). If we dwell in the house of the Lord continually, we are under His constant protection: “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:4-5; see Psalm 52:8; see Psalm 61:4; see Psalm 63:2-4).
God is the perfect Shepherd and Host. As our Shepherd, the Lord provides personal care, guidance, companionship, protection, and security. And as our eternal Host, God welcomes us to feast at His rich table of abundant and overflowing blessings. We will abide in His house forever. His presence, protection, and unfailing love will surround us for all eternity. And we can say with David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!”
