It is not clear who are the kings (verse 46a) to whom the psalmist will proclaim Yahweh’s laws; in any case, he will not be refuted and so will not be put to shame (see verses 6a, 31b).

The sentiment expressed in verse 47a is like what is said in verses 14a, 16a, 24a; in verse 47b the psalmist’s declaration of his love for Yahweh’s laws appears for the first time in this psalm (see especially verse 97a).

In verse 48 I revere translates the Hebrew phrase “I raise my hands,” a gesture of prayer, indicating reverence and devotion (see 28.2 and comments; Bible en français courant “While praying to you, with hands raised”). New Jerusalem Bible, however, translates “I reach out for Your commandments,” which is none too clear. New International Version, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, and Bible de Jérusalem translate rather literally. For verse 48b see verse 15a.

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 .