In verses 92-93 the psalmist describes how his faithfulness to the Torah has kept him alive. For the expression of Yahweh’s law as the psalmist’s delight, see verses 47a, 70b, 77b. The psalmist’s affliction (verse 92b) is his persecution by his enemies. The negative form of the assertion may be recast in a positive way: “Because your law was my delight, I did not die from my sufferings” or “… I remained alive despite all my sufferings.”

For verse 93a see verses 61b, 83b; and for verse 93b (thou hast given me life) see the plea in verses 37b, 40b.

The psalmist asks Yahweh to save him from his enemies, basing his request on the assurance that he belongs to Yahweh (I am thine). In languages in which I am thine is not possible, it may be necessary to shift to “I belong to you” or “You are the one who owns me.” For verse 94b see verse 45b.

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 .