The adjective sure in verse 86a means “trustworthy,” dependable; some translations express the idea of truth (see Biblia Dios Habla Hoy); New English Bible has “stand for ever.”

In verse 86b the psalmist again accuses his enemies of telling lies about him (see verse 69a). It is to be noticed that Revised Standard Version, by following the order of the Hebrew, makes they in line b refer back to thy commandments in line a. It is better to reverse the lines (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, New English Bible), or else to make explicit the subject of line b. The psalmist’s cry to God, help me! is a plea for God to keep him safe from his enemies.

In verse 87 the psalmist speaks of actual physical danger he runs; his enemies have almost killed him, either through sudden violence or else (which is more likely) through constant harassment and threats. He, however, has been faithful in obeying Yahweh’s laws: I have not forsaken thy precepts. For similar language see verse 53b; verse 51b “turn away from”; verses 16b, 61b “forget.”

In verse 88a the Masoretic text has the verb “to live” (Revised Standard Version spare my life); the Qumran manuscript has the verb “be kind to,” which Good News Translation prefers (as in verse 37b). Revised Standard Version spare my life may sound as though God were threatening to kill him; it seems better to translate “preserve my life” (see New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version) or “save me from death.” The psalmist is confident that Yahweh’s steadfast love will lead him to answer the psalmist’s prayer.

In verse 88b the Hebrew says “the testimony of your mouth”; see the similar expression in verse 72a. Both Revised Standard Version (testimonies) and Good News Translation (“laws”) use the plural form; but it is preferable to use a singular noun. For the verb keep see verses 55b, 67b.

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 .