For a similar description of the LORD’s presence as described in these verses, see 18.7-15; 50.3. In verse 2 the psalmist uses physical phenomena (Clouds and thick darkness) and moral attributes (righteousness and justice) to describe Yahweh’s reign. Clouds and thick darkness may be represented by “dark clouds”; see Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “thick clouds,” and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch “thick dark clouds.” Clouds and thick darkness may carry meanings in the translator’s language which are not associated with the hiddenness and mystery of God’s rule. In such cases it may be necessary to make this clear in the text in order to prevent the reader from misinterpreting the expression. It will also be advisable to provide the reader with cross references such as Deuteronomy 4.11; 5.22.

The Hebrew phrase the foundation of his throne in verse 2b refers to the basis on which Yahweh’s rule is exercised; so Good News Translation “he rules with righteousness and justice”; or else, “righteousness and justice are the basis of his rule” (see Bible en français courant). The same language occurs in 89.14a. Righteousness and justice describe how God rules, in much the same way that Clouds and thick darkness describe the location of his rule. In some languages it will be more understandable to reverse the biblical order and say, for example, “He rules people in a way that is right and just, and he rules them from behind clouds and darkness.”

Fire and lightnings (verses 3, 4) are manifestations of God’s power and anger; the language used of the earth in verse 4b is identical with that used of the sea, the “deep,” in 77.16; and see also 77.18b-c. The expression Fire goes before him will require recasting in languages in which an agent who is causing the fire to move must be expressed; for example, “God sends his fire ahead of him.”

Verses 3-5 describe the effects of the LORD’s presence upon his adversaries, the earth, and The mountains. Yahweh’s power is overwhelming, and nothing or no one can resist him (see similar language in 68.2). In verse 4 the world and the earth are exact synonyms; most translations feel comfortable with using both words. The metaphor the earth sees and trembles may have to be recast as a simile; for example, “just as a person sees, the earth sees the lightning and trembles.” In languages where a simile would not serve to make the metaphor clear, it may be necessary to use a nonmetaphor; for example, “the lightning flashes on the earth, and the earth shakes.”

In verse 5 for melt like wax, see 46.6b, “the earth melts.” The translator should make certain what the basis for the comparison is in his language in the simile melt like wax; for example, some languages use “sugar” as the basis for the comparison. In verse 5a the name Yahweh is used; in verse 5b the title “lord” is used. Before the LORD means “in the presence of the LORD” or “when the LORD is near.” Lord of all the earth must often be rendered, for example, “the Lord who rules all the people of the earth.”

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 .