For verse 174a see the similar thought in verse 81a; and for verse 174b see verse 77b.

In verse 175 Let me live translates “Give life to my nefesh” (see 3.2). And the request in verse 175b may be translated “may your laws support me” (see New International Version “sustain”), that is, in the sense that they will provide him with wisdom and strength to live in accordance with Yahweh’s will.

In verse 176 the psalmist compares himself to a lost sheep that has strayed away from the flock and the shepherd. He sees his sins not as a deliberate act of disobedience but as the result of ignorance and carelessness; and so he prays, not for forgiveness, but that Yahweh will look for him. Surely Yahweh will answer his prayer, because he has not disregarded his laws (for forget thy commandments see similar language in verses 61b, 83b, 109b, 141b).

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 .