The psalm closes with a confident statement about the prosperity and success of The righteous. They are compared to a palm tree (see Fauna and Flora of the Bible, pages jmp 160-162|fig:ffb_Palm.htmjmp*), which is productive for many years (see similar figure in 1.3); they are also compared to a cedar in Lebanon (see 29.5; 37.35). In languages in which the palm tree and the cedar of Lebanon are unknown, trees with similar characteristics will have to be substituted. If such substitutes are not available, then the comparisons may shift to other plants that are known for these qualities, and, lacking that, the comparisons will have to be dropped.

For language similar to verse 13, see 52.8. Since it is uncertain whether trees actually grew in the Temple precincts, some understand the house of the LORD here to mean the land of Israel, not the Temple (see Kirkpatrick); but the parallel with the courts of our God in line b makes this unlikely. Dahood thinks the language refers to the heavenly habitation of God. It is best to keep verse 13 as a simile, “like trees that are planted,” instead of the metaphor, They are planted … they flourish (and on through verse 14). By using complete statements, They are planted and They still bring forth, the subject is The righteous of verse 12; so it is better to imitate Good News Translation, which uses a simile.

The comparison continues in verse 14; righteous people are like trees that bring forth fruit, and so forth. In verse 14b full of sap and green (Good News Translation “green and strong”) can be rendered “fresh and green” (Dahood, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version), “vigorous and sturdy” (New American Bible), “strong and flourishing” (Bible de Jérusalem).

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 .