These verses describe the extension of Israel’s dominion over all the country as far west as the Mediterranean Sea and as far east as the Euphrates River. It is probable that in verse 10a The mountains refer to the southern part of the country, and the mighty cedars in verse 10b refer to the northern part, that is, Lebanon (see 29.5; 37.35 and comments).

In verse 10b the Hebrew is “and its branches the cedars of God,” which is taken by most to follow the structure of verse 10a, meaning, “its branches overshadowed the mighty cedars.” Revised Standard Version does not repeat the verb in this line; the sense is “the mighty cedars were covered with its branches.” Some, however, have “its branches were like giant cedars” (also New English Bible), indicating the size of the vine. The Hebrew for mighty cedars is an example of the use of ʾel “God” as a superlative; see 36.6 for further discussion.

For the sea (the Mediterranean) and the River (the Euphrates), see discussion at 72.8.

Should the figurative language in verses 10-11 also be difficult, the following may be attempted:

• 10 They took possession of the whole country,
from the south all the way north to the Lebanon Mountains.
11 They extended the country’s borders
from the Mediterranean Sea
all the way to the Euphrates River.

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 .