In this strophe (letter samek, verses 113-120) the psalmist denounces his enemies, prays to Yahweh for help, and expresses his love for God’s law. The Good News Translation heading may have to be recast for translation. One possibility is “The psalmist is safe because he obeys the Law of the LORD.”

In verse 113a the psalmist uses a word not found elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe those he hates; the Septuagint translates “transgressors (of the Law)”; Vulgate has “wicked.” Most translations are like Revised Standard Version double-minded men or “double heart”; Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “hypocritical people,” and Bible en français courant “duplicity.” Kirkpatrick defines them as “unstable waverers, half Israelites, half heathen.” The word seems to describe those whose religious commitment is not total; they do not have “pure hearts,” that is, single-minded devotion to Yahweh. For I love thy law in verse 113b, see verse 97a. Verse 113 is structured in Hebrew as a contrast: this I hate, but that I love. It can also be translated as two coordinate statements: “I love people who are fully loyal to you, and I love your law.” However, it will be best to maintain the stylistic device of the psalmist, unless, of course, such contrast carries an unwanted meaning.

In verse 114a, for hiding place see 32.7, and for shield see 3.3; 28.7; both indicate protection and safety. Verse 114b is identical with verse 81b.

For verse 115a see 6.8; here you evildoers are the psalmist’s enemies, of whom he repeatedly complains in this psalm. They try to keep him from obeying the commands of the Torah. For verse 115b see similar statements in verses 55b, 67b. My God can be translated “the God I serve (or, worship).”

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 .