Yahweh as king possesses Honor and majesty, the two greatest attributes of a king (see the same nouns translated “splendor and majesty” in 21.5b, and “glory and majesty” in 45.3b). Strength and beauty are the two terms used to describe the Covenant Box in 78.61 (where Revised Standard Version translates “power” and “glory”), and they are two other characteristics of Yahweh as king. In other words, the psalmist is saying that, because of the presence of the Covenant Box in the Temple, God’s strength and beauty are there; he is not saying that the Temple itself is strong and beautiful. Before him in line a (Good News Translation “surround him”) may be represented by “He radiates greatness and majesty” (Bible en français courant); New English Bible‘s use of the verb “attend” represents the two characteristics as royal servants that wait upon Yahweh. In line b his sanctuary may be Yahweh’s heavenly dwelling; given the probable reference to the Covenant Box, however, it more likely refers to the earthly Temple, where he dwelt with the people of Israel.

The major translation problem in this verse is the handling of abstract nouns as though they were objects. Biblia Dios Habla Hoy says “there is great splendor in his presence.” In languages which permit a passive, it is possible to say “Glory and majesty can be seen around him.” Where the passive is not possible, this may be rendered, for example, “People in his presence can see how great and like a king he is.” Line b can sometimes be rendered “People can see in his Temple that he is strong and beautiful” or “the things in his Temple remind people that he is strong and beautiful.”

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 .