The final strophe describes in familiar language the security of the righteous who take refuge in the LORD. In verse 39b refuge translates a word meaning “protection, safeguarding.”

In verse 40 there is alliteration in the occurrence of waw yod “and he,” waw yod plus pe, yod plus pe, and waw yod.

In verse 40a helps translates a verb that is used in 10.14, “helper (of the fatherless).” The verb delivers (used twice) is used also in 17.13, and saves translates the verb that in 12.1 is translated “Help.” For take refuge see also 2.12. See comments at these places in the Handbook. In some languages it is necessary to place the reason for the action at the beginning; for example, “They take refuge in the LORD, therefore the LORD helps them….”

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 .