“My soul followeth hard after thee…” (Ps. 63:8).
The Septuagint Greek Old Testament renders this verse: “My soul has been glued to you…” The verb in this sentence is a word which has to do with adhesive qualities. When we say we are going to “stick” with someone, we are very close to the meaning of “following hard” after the Lord.
The original Hebrew word translated followeth hard in this verse is dabacq (daw-bak’). It is defined as “to cling to, to adhere to firmly as if with glue.” It also is used in a loving and devoted way to mean “to be attached to someone or something by the heart strings.”
Dabaq also can be defined as “clinging to someone in affection or loyalty.” It carries with it the idea of keeping very close to someone. This is what the psalmist is referring to when he says, “Lord, my soul follows hard after You.”
It is the same word as used in Genesis to describe what happens in marriage: A man shall leave his father and mother and shall “cleave” to his wife (Gen. 2:24). In this verse the word cleave is dabacq. It expresses the concept of “staying real close to someone.”
When you love, respect, and admire someone, you want to be as near that person as possible. The psalmist wanted to be close to the Lord. He told Him so. He was a worshipper who did not want to be at a distance from his God. He wanted to cling to Him like an adhesive. Because of his desire, David was increased greatly.
We can have the same spiritual desire with the same spiritual results. I think this is a good desire, don’t you?
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.