The psalmist cries out to the LORD to contend with his enemies and fight against them, using in each instance the same verb to describe the LORD’s actions and the actions of his adversaries. The expression Contend … who contend with me may be difficult to express in some languages. Since the meaning in the context seems to be that of fighting in battle, it is often possible to say “Be an enemy, LORD, against those who are my enemies” or “Fight against those who fight against me.” This verb in verse 1a is used also in the sense of “argue with” or “accuse” at a trial, but the figure of physical strife in battle seems more appropriate here.

With Contend … contend and fight … fight the psalmist is using a wordplay in the form of repetition in which the identical Hebrew root is repeated in each line. For similar cases see Isaiah 17.12; Jeremiah 3.22. In some languages it will not be possible to maintain the device in the same form as here, since phrases may be required, or because of grammatical considerations. However, the translator should try to use forms that are in some degree repeatable.

In vivid language the psalmist calls on the LORD to arm himself with shield (see 3.3), buckler (another word for a larger shield, covering the whole body; see 5.12, where the same word is translated “shield”), spear (also in 46.9; 57.4), and javelin. The last weapon seems to be a double ax used in fighting; the Masoretic text vocalizes the consonants as though the word were an imperative of the verb “close, shut off,” that is, destroy;1-3 Hebrew Old Testament Text Project, however, says the meaning of the Masoretic text imperative “and close” is “and protect”; Hebrew Old Testament Text Project also says that the other interpretation is possible, that is, a “spear.” but from Qumran sources it is now established that this is a noun, the name of a weapon. Shield often requires some adjustments in translation. If there is no word in the receptor language, it may be desirable, but only rarely, to borrow a foreign term and to add a classifier; for example, “a protection called shield.” On the other hand one may find it more convenient to use a descriptive phrase; for example, “body protection board.” Often such descriptive phrases can be misleading and therefore must be used with considerable caution. If the translator finds the reader misunderstanding the usage of the expression, an additional note may be given in the glossary. Buckler may be distinguished from shield as “the big shield.” The spear is widely known; where it is not, however, one can sometimes use a descriptive phrase such as “sharp stick for throwing.”

In verse 2b the command rise means that Yahweh is asked to take action (see comments on the same verb in 3.7).

“Promise” (Good News Translation) in verse 3c translates “say to my nefesh” (see 3.2), which in this context means to reassure. So instead of Good News Translation “Promise,” something like “Assure me that…” may be better. Revised Standard Version uses direct discourse, quoting the words that the psalmist asks Yahweh to speak; Good News Translation uses indirect discourse, “… that you will save me.” For the noun deliverance see comments on 3.8; here it means to rescue from enemies, not spiritual “salvation.” Dahood translates “your victory.”

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 .