The call for universal praise of God is repeated in a two-line refrain (verses 3, 5). The nations are called upon to “be glad and sing for joy” (verse 4) in recognition that God is a just judge and that he guides all nations. He is the ruler of all the world, not only of Israel. The indirect commands expressed in Revised Standard Version with Let and in Good News Translation with “May” in some languages must be expressed as direct commands or as requests; for example, “Praise God, all you people” or “I ask all you people to praise God.”

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 .