In the opening strophe (verses 1-5) the people are called upon to worship Yahweh (verses 1-2), because he is the ruler of the world (verses 3-5).

The two verbs sing and make a joyful noise are used synonymously; they translate the Hebrew “shout for joy” (see 20.5a) and “shout” (see 66.1). For the rock of our salvation in verse 1b, see 62.6; 89.26b. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy translates “our protector and savior”; Bible en français courant “our keeper, our Savior”; Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch “our strong helper.”

Come into his presence in verse 2 means to enter the Temple, where Yahweh is worshiped. Again two terms are used synonymously, thanksgiving and songs of praise; the latter term is used in 81.2 of instrumental music, but here, in parallel with the preceding line, it indicates vocal music. In many languages the word come in come into his presence is used differently, depending upon the position of the speaker. In the context of this verse the psalmist calls for the people to enter the place from which he calls them. This probably means from inside the Temple. If it is from outside the Temple, then “go” or “enter” would be appropriate in English. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “let us enter his presence with gratitude.” Good News Translation‘s “come before him” implies for the purpose of worship, which will have to be made explicit in many languages. Accordingly it will often be necessary to say, for example, “Let us go in where he is and worship him” or “Let us go into the Temple and worship him.”

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 .