In verse 166a I hope for thy salvation means “I am trusting in you to save me” (see similar statement in Gen 49.18); as elsewhere in this psalm (verses 41b, 123a) salvation is deliverance from enemies or from troubles in general. In line b he affirms once again that he obeys Yahweh’s commandments.

For verse 167a see similar expression in verse 129b; and for verse 167b see verse 159a.

It is to be noticed that in verse 168a the psalmist uses two synonyms in the same line, thy precepts and testimonies, which happens nowhere else in this psalm. In verse 168b my ways means behavior, conduct; Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “you know all my conduct!”; and before thee is a way of saying that everything he does is seen by Yahweh.

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 .