These verses describe how the central place of worship was moved from Shiloh (see verse 60), which was in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. Ephraim was one of the sons of Joseph, and the tribe was made up of his descendants; so in verse 67 tent of Joseph and tribe of Ephraim are parallel and used synonymously. After having been captured in battle by the Philistines, the Covenant Box, once it had been returned to Israel, was not taken back to Shiloh. It would be impossible to make clear the significance of the relation of Joseph and Ephraim and the historical implication of the removal of the Covenant Box without building a commentary into the translation. However, any translation of this passage should contain adequate cross references to assist the reader, and perhaps a supplementary note. In regard to the translation of this verse, it may be possible to keep only “descendants of Joseph” or “tribe of Ephraim” Since verse 68 continues with reference to the “tribe of Judah,” it may be better to keep “tribe of Ephraim” only, in verse 67.

Mount Zion (see information at 2.6) was in Jerusalem, in the territory of the tribe of Judah. David placed the Covenant Box there, after the original inhabitants, the Jebusites, were driven out.

The Temple (his sanctuary, verse 69) was built by Solomon on nearby Mount Moriah; the name Mount Zion was applied to that hill and also to the whole city of Jerusalem.

In verse 69 it is not clear what the simile like the high heavens means; either “high as the heavens” (New English Bible) or “like the high hills” (New Jerusalem Bible). Most translations follow the Revised Standard Version interpretation. Perhaps the idea of permanence, which is explicitly expressed in line b, is meant also in line a (Anderson); so Bible en français courant “There he built his temple, solid like heaven, and like the earth, which he set in place forever.” For translation suggestions on sanctuary see 20.2; 28.2. At the end of verse 69, which he has founded for ever refers to the earth; consequently Good News Translation should be “… the earth, which he made to last forever” or “… the earth, which he set in place forever.”

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 .