The psalmist expresses his confidence in Yahweh’s ability to protect him in the Temple from danger; his shelter in verse 5a and his tent in verse 5c refer to the Temple as a refuge.

In verse 5d set me high upon a rock is a figure also of safety, a high place above and beyond the attacks of the enemy. If the literal “high rock” is misunderstood, the meaning may be represented by “and make me secure in a safe place.” There are some areas of the world where it will be difficult for people to imagine being secure on a high rock, particularly where such rocks do not exist. In such cases it is recommended that the translator shift to “safe place,” or else use a figure for safety that all will recognize.

In verse 6a “to have the head lifted up above the enemies” is a figure of triumph. My head shall be lifted up, if used in this form, may create serious ambiguities. However, “triumph” is sometimes spoken of as “standing on the heads of one’s enemies.”

In gratitude for Yahweh’s protection the psalmist promises to offer sacrifices in his Temple and to make melody to the LORD in public worship. See 4.5 for a discussion of sacrifices. Offer … sacrifices is sometimes translated “I will burn gifts and worship God.” Verse 6c may sometimes be rendered “I will sing songs and say the LORD is great.”

The vow or promise of the psalmist, I will sing … to the LORD, is characteristic of the closure pattern and may suggest for translators that a second heading is appropriate before verse 7. For example, “The psalmist asks the LORD to take care of him.”

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 .