Line a is a promise that the king’s rule will extend from Jerusalem (Zion), where he reigns. Your mighty scepter is a figure of domination, of the king’s power; but it is not clear how the Hebrew “from Zion” is to be understood. Good News Translation takes it to mean that the king’s dominion will reach out from Jerusalem, the capital city, to other lands; see New Jerusalem Bible “from Zion you will rule your foes all around you.” It may mean, as New English Bible and Biblia Dios Habla Hoy have it, that Yahweh, who is in Zion, gives to the king the symbol of his power, the royal scepter. Some translate the words as a wish, not a statement (Crim, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Bible en français courant): “May the LORD extend your power….” “From Zion … will extend” may also be rendered “The LORD will make you powerful beyond the city of Zion.”

Good News Translation has taken the command “Rule over your enemies” to be spoken by Yahweh; most translations take it to be addressed to the king by the psalmist. Some translate this line as a statement (see New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version); but it is better to keep it as a command (if by Yahweh) or a fervent wish (if by the psalmist). In the coronation ritual it would have been spoken by a priest (see Anderson). The Hebrew “in the middle of your enemies” may be translated “(rule) over the enemies who surround you” (Bible en français courant).

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 .