Good News Translation restructures the three lines of Revised Standard Version verse 8 as two lines. The psalmist (or the congregation) praises God’s power as Creator (verses 8-14). For translation suggestions on the title “Yahweh God of armies” in verse 8a (LORD God of hosts), see 46.7. LORD in verse 8b translates Yah (see 68.4 and comments).
The word translated mighty occurs only here in the Old Testament. Some (Briggs, Weiser), instead of the Masoretic text mighty, read “your constant love,” which offers a more satisfactory text but is not necessarily the true text.
Good News Translation “in all things you are faithful” translates “your faithfulness (is) around you.” It is difficult to understand the precise notion of faithfulness here (in verse 2 it is joined to “steadfast love,” both of which are the main characteristics of God’s attitude toward his people). Here Yahweh’s role as Creator is in focus, and it is hard to understand why the psalmist singled out this particular characteristic. Cohen explains: “loyalty to his promises enwraps him like a garment.” The word is probably to be understood as speaking of Yahweh’s constancy, his consistency; all he does is in keeping with his character as sovereign Lord of the universe and of his people.
Verses 9-10 describe the creation in language similar to 74.13-14 (see comments there). The raging of the sea represents the primeval force of chaos, the watery abyss, which God subdued at creation. The expression rule the raging of the sea should not be translated by a term that refers to ruling as an administrator, but rather to controlling or subduing. In language areas in which the sea is unknown, a large body of water will have to be substituted, such as “the water of the lake” or “the water of the biggest river.”
The mythological sea monster Rahab is referred to also in Job 9.13; 26.12; Isaiah 51.9. Unlike its use in 87.4, Rahab here refers to the mythological sea serpent. Rahab will require a footnote as in Good News Translation, and cross references.
In verse 10b scatter thy enemies is the literal translation. Good News Translation renders the practical effect: “defeated your enemies.” Good News Translation “your mighty strength” translates thy mighty arm.
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 .