Psalm 23
By Robert Alter
A David psalm.
The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
In grass meadows He makes me lie down,
by quiet waters guides me.
My life He brings back.
He leads me on pathways of justice
for His name's sake.
Though I walk in the vale of death's shadow,
I fear no harm,
for You are with me.
Your rod and Your staff—
it is they that console me.
You set out a table before me
in the face of my foes.
You moisten my head with oil,
my cup overflows.
Let but goodness and kindness pursue me
all the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for many long days.
Copyright Credit: Robert Alter, "Psalm 23" from The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary. Copyright © 2007 by Robert Alter. Used by permission of the author and W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Source: The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary (W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2007)