Translation commentary on Psalm 75:2 - 75:3

In verses 2-5 God speaks; in the worship service in the Temple these words were probably spoken by a prophet or a priest. This psalm may cause translators problems due to the switching of speakers. Therefore it is important to keep clear the pronominal references when pronouns are used. In order to make clear the change in verse 2 to God as speaker, it will often be necessary to begin by inserting “God says:…” or by following Good News Translation.

God announces the coming judgment, which will take place At the set time, that is, at the time he chooses. Then he will judge with equity (see comments on 9.8; 67.4).

The language suggests a final judgment, when the earth and its inhabitants “dissolve” (Revised Standard Version totters) in fear; the same verb is translated “melts” in 46.6b. Good News Translation uses two synonymous verbs, “tremble” for the inhabitants of the world (literally “those dwelling in it,” which probably includes all living creatures, and not just human beings), and “be shaken” for the earth. Many languages will prefer the active of Revised Standard Version the earth totters rather than the Good News Translation passive.

The last line of verse 3 is literally “I have adjusted its pillars,” in the sense of make firm, keep steady. The pillars of the earth were thought of as the mountains, which reached down to the underworld, where they were based, and which supported the surface of the earth (see 24.2 and comments). In some languages the clause “though every creature…” or “even if every creature…” will be placed after the clause “I will keep its foundations.”

For Selah see 3.2.

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 .