Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life — Psalm 23:6a
Let’s go a little deeper to understand the words goodness and mercy in the context of this favorite verse. Goodness, the Hebrew word ‘tov,’ is first used in Scripture in the biblical account of creation. Each day more of God’s character was reflected and order brought to the house He was building for mankind. In the same way, for our lives to function properly He establishes order in our house which is good. In addition, He extends His mercy by surrounding us and propping us up for the journey He has laid out for our life.
Surely He will establish order in my house and surround and prop me up for my life’s journey all the days of my life!
Goodness
Tov (tobe)
BvJ
טוֹב
| J | The ‘Tet’ shows a basket that means contain or surround or in order. |
| v | The ‘Vav’ pictures a tent peg or nail. It means to secure, connect, or establish. |
| B | The ‘Bet’ shows the floor plan of a tent. It means home, inside, or family. |
Order is established in the house.
Mercy
chesed (kheh’-sed)
DuC
חֵסֵד
| C | The ‘Chet’ depicts a fence that would contain, divide, surround, protect, or make private. |
| u | The ‘Samech’ represents a thorn bush that would prop up, support, twist, turn, or snare. |
| D | The ‘Dalet’ represents a tent flap or door. It can also mean back and forth movement as in going in and out of a door. |
God surrounds me and props me up for my journey through life.
