Study Desk

A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd,^(a) I lack nothing.^(b)

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,^(c)

he refreshes my soul.^(d) He guides me^(e) along the right paths^(f) for his name's sake.^(g)

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,^[a](h) I will fear no evil,⁽ⁱ⁾ for you are with me;^(j) your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table^(k) before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;^(l) my cup^(m) overflows.

Surely your goodness and love⁽ⁿ⁾ will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

For the director of music. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam.^[b] When Saul had sent men to watch David's house^(a) in order to kill him.

Deliver me from my enemies, O God;^(b) be my fortress against those who are attacking me.^(c)

Deliver me from evildoers^(d) and save me from those who are after my blood.^(e)

See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire^(f) against me for no offense or sin of mine, Lord .

I have done no wrong,^(g) yet they are ready to attack me.^(h) Arise to help me; look on my plight!⁽ⁱ⁾

You, Lord God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel,^(j) rouse yourself^(k) to punish all the nations;^(l) show no mercy to wicked traitors.^[c](m)

They return at evening, snarling like dogs,⁽ⁿ⁾ and prowl about the city.

See what they spew from their mouths^(o)— the words from their lips are sharp as swords,^(p) and they think, "Who can hear us?"^(q)

But you laugh at them, Lord ;^(r) you scoff at all those nations.^(s)

You are my strength,^(t) I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress,^(u)

my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

But do not kill them, Lord our shield,^[d](v) or my people will forget.^(w) In your might uproot them and bring them down.^(x)

For the sins of their mouths,^(y) for the words of their lips,^(z) let them be caught in their pride.^(aa) For the curses and lies they utter,

consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more.^(ab) Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.^(ac)

They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.

They wander about for food^(ad) and howl if not satisfied.

But I will sing^(ae) of your strength,^(af) in the morning^(ag) I will sing of your love;^(ah) for you are my fortress,^(ai) my refuge in times of trouble.^(aj)

You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.^(ak)