Psalm 23-24

Contemporary English Version

(A psalm by David.)

The Good Shepherd

¹You, Lord, are my shepherd.
    I will never be in need.
²^(A) You let me rest in fields
    of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
³    and you refresh my life.

You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
⁴I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod^[a]
    makes me feel safe.

⁵You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
⁶Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live forever
    in your house, Lord.

(A psalm by David.)

Who Can Enter the Lord's Temple?

¹^(B) The earth and everything on it,
including its people,
    belong to the Lord.
The world and its people
    belong to him.
²The Lord placed it all
    on the oceans and rivers.

³Who may climb the Lord's hill^[b]
    or stand in his holy temple?
⁴^(C) Only those who do right
    for the right reasons,
and don't worship idols
    or tell lies under oath.
⁵The Lord God, who saves them,
    will bless and reward them,
⁶because they worship and serve
    the God of Jacob.^[c]
⁷Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
    may come in.

⁸Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord, a strong
and mighty warrior.

⁹Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
may come in.

¹⁰Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord,
the All-Powerful!

Footnotes

23.4 shepherd's rod: The Hebrew text mentions two objects carried by the shepherd: a club to defend against wild animals and a long pole to guide and control the sheep.
24.3 the Lord's hill: The hill in Jerusalem where the temple was built.
24.6 worship … Jacob: Two ancient translations; Hebrew “worship God and serve the descendants of Jacob.”