In verses 19-22 the psalmist praises Yahweh for his goodness to him and to other devout Israelites.

In line a the Hebrew word “great” may indicate quantity (Revised Standard Version abundant) or quality (Good News Translation “wonderful”). The verb translated thou hast laid up portrays Yahweh’s goodness as a treasure which he accumulates and guards, and from which, at the appropriate time, he gives out to those who honor him. Those who fear thee refers to people who reverence God and worship him. In some translations one must say “people who worship you” or “people who bow down before you” (see comments on “fear” in 5.7).

In the second part of the verse Good News Translation has specified the act of goodness which Yahweh bestows on those who seek protection with him. A translation may imitate more closely the form of the Hebrew, as follows: “In full view of everyone, you give good things to those who go to you for protection.”

For the verb translated take refuge, see comment at 2.12. In the sight of the sons of men indicates that Yahweh’s goodness is evident and manifest, seen by everyone (for sons of men see 11.4 and comment).

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 .