In verses 15-18 the psalmist celebrates Yahweh’s relationship to his people Israel. In verse 15a we are not sure exactly how the festal shout was expressed in Temple worship, but it certainly involved praise. The same term is used for the shout of the Israelites when the walls of Jericho fell, so it may have implied victory (Josh 6.20). It seems best to express the function of the words know the festal shout as “know how to sing praises to you,” “know how to praise you with songs.” New Jerusalem Bible has “the nation that learns to acclaim you.” And in verse 15b who walk … in the light of thy countenance means “who live in the light of your presence” (see New Jerusalem Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, New English Bible); see comments on 4.6; 44.3. Here countenance (that is, “face”) is a way of indicating God’s favor; God looks kindly, lovingly, approvingly on his people. So instead of Good News Translation “your kindness,” something like “approval” or “favor” would be better.

In verse 16a Good News Translation “Because of you” translates in thy name. In verse 16b Revised Standard Version indicates there is a problem in the Hebrew text; but this may be more apparent than real. Anderson and others say that the Masoretic text may mean (parallel with line a) “they rejoice in your righteousness,” that is, “they rejoice because you are righteous.” The noun is tsedaqah, which Good News Translation here translates “goodness”; Dahood has “generosity.” But the line can be understood to mean “they are exalted through Your righteousness” (New Jerusalem Bible; see also New English Bible, New American Bible), a thought similar to that of verse 17b. One cannot be dogmatic, but it would appear that this line is parallel with line a, as Good News Translation and Revised Standard Version translate it.15-16 Hebrew Old Testament Text Project translates “and in your righteousness they stand.” Extol thy righteousness or Good News Translation “… for your goodness” must be recast in some languages to say “because you are good to them.”

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 .