The psalmist calls on God to take action against Israel’s enemies (verse 22); see similar language in 7.6; 35.23-24; 43.1. The expression plead thy cause means for God to put forth the arguments of his case in which he must defend his action or lack of action. Plead thy cause is therefore the language of the law court. Israel’s cause is God’s cause; his interests coincide with those of his people. So when God defends his cause he is defending the cause of his people. In languages where such legal practices are unknown, it may be necessary to say, for example, “defend yourself,” “tell your enemies that they are wrong,” or “show your people that you are right.”

For impious see verse 18b; for scoff at see verse 18a. For translation suggestions on all the day, see 56.5.

The prayer Do not forget means “Do not ignore” (New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, New English Bible), that is, pay attention and do something about it. The clamor and the uproar … which goes up continually express the hostility and defiance of God’s (and Israel’s) enemies.

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 .