Translating Psalm 23:6

Word Study on an OT Hebrew term for "Pursue"
In Cameroon in May 2012, I presented a devotional on Psalm 23:6 to a gathering of consultants-in-training. We focused on a Hebrew word study of the verb often translated as "to follow." Based on how it is used in the OT (144 occurrences), the word is better translated as "to pursue."

Explain KJV's Translation "Follow" 
In the devotional, I ask why some major English and French translations have adopted the somewhat weaker rendering "to follow." At least two reasons are possible:

1. A collocation clash may be perceived between the abstract concepts of "goodness" and "steadfast love" with the action "to pursue/chase." Nowhere else in the OT do we read that goodness is in pursuit of something(one).
2. The Hebrew verb "to pursue" rarely has non-personal subjects in the OT, but when this combination occurs, the grammatical subject(s) pertain to the morally evil realm or to harmful outcomes (e.g., Exod 14:4; Ps 7:5; Ezek 35:6). 

Lord as Highway Patrolman
I do not think that the above reasons are insurmountable. The Lord's goodness and mercy can and does indeed pursue us, instead of the enemies running us down (see Ps 23:5, NET Notes).

John Piper commented on this in a sermon on Psalm 23, likening the Lord to a highway patrolman:

God is not only our good shepherd, nor only our lavish host; he is also a highway patrolman pursuing you with goodness and mercy every day of your life, and he is fast.

Related Links:
Une Méditation sur Psaume 23:6 (en français)