The psalm closes with an exhortation for all to join in the chorus of praise to Yahweh. The psalmist first asserts God’s universal power (verse 19; see similar statements in 47.8; 93.2; 102.12); Yahweh, the King of Israel, is king of all creation. New Jerusalem Bible joins verse 19 to the preceding strophe, but it seems better to make it the first verse of the final strophe. For translation suggestions on throne see 2.4.

Good News Translation “Praise” in verses 20-22 translates the verb Bless (see verse 1). The heavenly powers, God’s heavenly court, are addressed as angels (verse 20a), who are described as you mighty ones, a term for heroes in an army, “mighty warriors” (Good News Translation “strong and mighty”; Dahood, New Jerusalem Bible “mighty warriors”; Traduction œcuménique de la Bible “elite troops”). The angels are also called hosts (verse 21a), a translation of the noun “armies” found in the title “Yahweh of armies” (see 46.7). Ministers in verse 21b translates the same word used as a verb in 101.6 of the king’s officials, who “shall minister,” and here the celestial beings are likened to officials in the royal court who carry out the king’s wishes. In some languages it will be necessary to place the persons addressed before the command; for example, “You strong and mighty angels…, praise the LORD.” Where this order is more natural, it will also be followed in verses 21-22.

In verse 22 all creation throughout Yahweh’s dominion is called upon to praise him. In line a his works are everything that Yahweh has created; this may include inanimate things as well as all living creatures; so Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “the entire creation.” And the psalm closes as it begins, with the psalmist exhorting himself to “Praise the LORD.” See verse 2 for Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .