In these verses the psalmist talks about what pleases Yahweh and what doesn’t please him. The point is that God’s people are to find their real security, not in strong horses or in brave soldiers, but in honoring him and trusting in his steadfast love (see 33.18b). In verse 10b the legs of a man probably represents soldiers (as “strong horses” in verse 10a are war horses); see similar idea in 33.16-17. Some take the legs of a man to mean the swiftness or agility of runners (New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible; New English Bible “a runner’s legs”; Bible en français courant, a bit more intelligently, “the exploits of a runner”). Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “muscles of a man,” and New Jerusalem Bible “human sturdiness.” A translation here should not be literal; it is rather incongruous to read that God has no pleasure (Revised Standard Version) or “delight” (New International Version) in the legs of a man. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has done the best job of making clear the meaning of verse 10: “Many rely on the strength of their horses and the swift feet of their warriors; all such people are offensive to the Lord.” Another possibility is “Strong horses and brave soldiers are not what the LORD is looking for; he would rather have people honor him and trust in his constant love.”

For fear see 15.4; and for steadfast love see 5.7.

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 .