The psalmist speaks of the effects of Yahweh’s intervention, when he will restore the power and prosperity of the people of Israel. There will be universal fear: all peoples will fear the name of the LORD and “all the kings of the earth will fear his power.” Here “his power” translates the Hebrew thy glory, that is, the revelation of himself as a God who acts to save his people and defeat their enemies. “Majesty” or “might” may serve here as a translation of the word glory. Good News Translation maintains the third person reference in verse 15b; the Hebrew text has the second person, “your glory.” In some languages it will be clearer to say “all the kings of the earth will fear the powerful things that God does.”
In verse 16b the psalmist speaks again of Yahweh’s glory (Good News Translation “greatness”), which will be evident when he rebuilds Jerusalem, that is, brings the people out of exile back to the city. Will appear in his glory may also be readjusted to say, for example, “he will show the people how great he is” or “he will appear in his brightness.”
In verse 17a the destitute are Israelites in exile. Destitute may sometimes be rendered as “people who have nothing,” “homeless people,” or “people who live like animals.” In verse 17b, for will not despise see 69.33, which is quite similar to this verse. Supplication means prayer, request, petition.
There are different ways in which verses 15-17 can be joined together. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy make of the three verses one sentence: “15 All the nations will fear … 16 when the Lord rebuilds … 17 when the Lord answers the prayers….” New English Bible joins verses 15-16 in one sentence: “15 Then shall the nations revere … 16 when the LORD builds up….” Perhaps the best way to handle the text (using Good News Translation vocabulary) is as follows: “15 All the nations will fear … 16 when the LORD rebuilds Zion and reveals his greatness. 17 For he will hear … prayer.”
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 .