The psalmist is so grateful to Yahweh for his righteous ordinances that even at nighttime he wakes up and praises Yahweh (verse 62; see verses 55, 147-148). In languages in which righteous ordinances will have to be translated by a verb phrase, it may be necessary to say “I praise you because you judge matters fairly.”

The psalmist’s friends, like himself, are devoted to Yahweh’s commandments (verse 63). For comments on fear see 2.11; 15.4; for keep thy precepts see comments on verse 4b.

The strophe closes (verse 64) with praise to Yahweh, whose steadfast love fills The earth, that is, includes all people everywhere (see 33.5b). Good News Translation‘s “the earth is full of your constant love” must be recast in many languages to say “you faithfully love all the people of the world.” Again the psalmist asks Yahweh to teach him his statutes (see verse 12b).

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 .