Psalms 21:7

21:7 For the king trusts ¹  in the Lord,

and because of the sovereign Lord’s ²  faithfulness he is not upended. ³ 

Psalms 125:1

Psalm 125 ⁴ 

A song of ascents. ⁵ 

125:1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion;

it cannot be upended and will endure forever.

Psalms 15:5

15:5 He does not charge interest when he lends his money. ⁶ 

He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent. ⁷ 

The one who lives like this ⁸  will never be upended.

[21:7]  ¹ tn The active participle draws attention to the ongoing nature of the action.

[21:7]  ² tn Traditionally “the Most High’s.” The divine title “Most High” (עֶלְיוֹן, ’elyon) pictures God as the exalted ruler of the universe who vindicates the innocent and judges the wicked. Note the focus of vv. 8-12 and see Ps 47:2.

[21:7]  ³ tn Another option is to translate the imperfect verbal form as future, “he will not be upended” (cf. NRSV “he shall not be moved”). Even if one chooses this option, the future tense must be understood in a generalizing sense.

[125:1]  ⁴ sn Psalm 125. The psalmist affirms his confidence in the Lord’s protection and justice.

[125:1]  ⁵ sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.

[15:5]  ⁷ sn He does not charge interest. Such an individual is truly generous, and not simply concerned with making a profit.

[15:5]  ⁸ tn Heb “a bribe against the innocent he does not take.” For other texts condemning the practice of a judge or witness taking a bribe, see Exod 23:8; Deut 16:19; 27:25; 1 Sam 8:3; Ezek 22:12; Prov 17:23.

[15:5]  ⁹ tn Heb “does these things.”