Because: Revised Standard Version places this first; but since it introduces a fairly long statement, it is better to use the Good News Translation construction, with the statement first and the consequence following, both standing as independent clauses.

Regard: the verb means “to perceive, notice, be aware of.” Here the negative do not regard means do not think important, think to be of no value, despise. Do not regard may sometimes be rendered “they do not say what God has done is great” or “they say that God has done nothing.”

In this verse the psalmist uses the same words for Yahweh’s “works” that he used for the enemies’ deeds in verse 4: the works (of the LORD) uses the word in verse 4a, and the work (of his hands) corresponds to verse 4c. The work of his hands may be rendered “the great things he has made” or “the things he has created.”

In line c the verbs are “tear down” and “(not) rebuild,” which describe a permanent destruction. This line is taken as a statement by Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, and New International Version (also Briggs, Anderson, Weiser, Dahood); most translations, however, take it as a wish: “May he tear them down…!”

This kind of language seems to identify the psalmist’s enemies as pagan Gentiles.

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 .