The psalmist’s plea for help (verses 13-17) is almost completely identical with Psalm 70. The translation of the two passages should reflect this identity.

With words that express impatience, the psalmist prays to the LORD to save him from his enemies. Be pleased may be represented by a conventional expression such as “Please” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, Bible en français courant); New English Bible “Show me favour”; Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch “Be kind.” Good News Translation has not represented it formally, since the request itself incorporates the element of an urgent plea.

For the request that the LORD hurry to his aid, see 22.19; 38.22. For deliver see 7.1 and comments, and for help see 37.40 and comments.

Good News Translation has not shortened the two Hebrew lines when combining them into one, but has translated all the components. It may be best to keep two lines, since make haste increases the urgency of the second line.

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 .