Psalm 23

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A psalm of David.

1The Lord is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

2He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

4Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,*23:4 Or the dark valley of death.

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

5You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

forever.

Psalm 76

God Breaks the Pride of Princes

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1God is honored in Judah;

his name is great in Israel.

2Jerusalem*76:2 Hebrew Salem, another name for Jerusalem. is where he lives;

Mount Zion is his home.

3There he has broken the fiery arrows of the enemy,

the shields and swords and weapons of war.

Interlude

4You are glorious and more majestic

than the everlasting mountains.*76:4 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads than mountains filled with beasts of prey.

5Our boldest enemies have been plundered.

They lie before us in the sleep of death.

No warrior could lift a hand against us.

6At the blast of your breath, O God of Jacob,

their horses and chariots lay still.

7No wonder you are greatly feared!

Who can stand before you when your anger explodes?

8From heaven you sentenced your enemies;

the earth trembled and stood silent before you.

9You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God,

and to rescue the oppressed of the earth.

Interlude

10Human defiance only enhances your glory,

for you use it as a weapon.*76:10 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

11Make vows to the Lord your God, and keep them.

Let everyone bring tribute to the Awesome One.

12For he breaks the pride of princes,

and the kings of the earth fear him.

Psalm 28

A Prayer for Punishment and Rescue

A psalm of David.

1I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.

Do not turn a deaf ear to me.

For if you are silent,

I might as well give up and die.

2Listen to my prayer for mercy

as I cry out to you for help,

as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

3Do not drag me away with the wicked—

with those who do evil—

those who speak friendly words to their neighbors

while planning evil in their hearts.

4Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!

Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.

Pay them back for all their evil deeds!

Give them a taste of what they have done to others.

5They care nothing for what the Lord has done

or for what his hands have made.

So he will tear them down,

and they will never be rebuilt!

6Praise the Lord!

For he has heard my cry for mercy.

7The Lord is my strength and shield.

I trust him with all my heart.

He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

8The Lord gives his people strength.

He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.

9Save your people!

Bless Israel, your special possession.*28:9 Hebrew Bless your inheritance.

Lead them like a shepherd,

and carry them in your arms forever.