¹Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd.[#23:1 The word most commonly used for “shepherd” is taken from the root word ra‘ah , which is also the Hebrew word for “best friend.” This translation includes both meanings. The unique term for shepherd is ro’eh tzon —“lover of the flock.” This teaches us that a shepherd was not just a responsible overseer, but a caring father figure, tending to his flock out of a deep sense of love. Shepherds were also fierce protectors of their flocks. Jesus is the Fierce Protector of his people.]

I always have more than enough.

²He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.[#23:2 Or “in spring [green] meadows.” A good shepherd knows where to pasture his flock. These green meadows would be a resting place, free from all fear. The Greek verb “to love” is agapao , which is a merging of two words and two concepts. Ago means “to lead like a shepherd,” and pao is a verb that means “to rest.” Love is our Shepherd leading us to the place of true rest in his heart.]

His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss .

³That’s where he restores and revives my life.[#23:3 Or “he causes my life [or “soul,” Hb. nephesh ] to return.” So often life drains out of us through our many activities, but, as David found, God restores our well-being when we pursue what pleases God and when we rest in him.]

He opens before me the right path

and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness

so that I can bring honor to his name.

⁴Even when your path takes me through

the valley of deepest darkness,

fear will never conquer me, for you already have!

Your authority is my strength and my peace.

The comfort of your love takes away my fear.

I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.

⁵You become my delicious feast

even when my enemies dare to fight.

You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;

you give me all I can drink of you until my cup overflows.

⁶So why would I fear the future?

Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life.

Then afterward, when my life is through,

I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!