In these two final verses the psalmist prays that Yahweh save him and destroy his enemies. Good News Translation “as you have promised” in verse 11a translates “on account of your name,” as in 23.3. If the translator follows Good News Translation‘s “as you have promised,” it may be necessary to recast this as “as you said you would do.” The two verbs in verse 11 are general terms for deliverance from troubles, difficulties, or enemies: preserve my life and bring me out of trouble. In verse 11b thy righteousness is parallel to thy steadfast love in verse 12a. Good News Translation‘s “in your goodness” may have to be adjusted to “because you are good to your people.”

In verse 12 two synonymous verbs are used, cut off and destroy, both meaning “kill.” And two synonymous nouns are used, enemies and adversaries. The latter term translates “those who hate my nefesh” (see 3.2). It is because the psalmist knows himself to be Yahweh’s servant that he feels he has the right to pray for the destruction of his enemies; they are the enemies of his Lord, Yahweh. For servant see comments at 19.11.

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 .