Psalms 50:21

50:21 When you did these things, I was silent, ¹ 

so you thought I was exactly like you. ² 

But now I will condemn ³  you

and state my case against you! ⁴ 

Psalms 71:19

71:19 Your justice, O God, extends to the skies above; ⁵ 

you have done great things. ⁶ 

O God, who can compare to you? ⁷ 

Psalms 89:8

89:8 O Lord, sovereign God! ⁸ 

Who is strong like you, O Lord?

Your faithfulness surrounds you.

[50:21]  ¹ tn Heb “these things you did and I was silent.” Some interpret the second clause (“and I was silent”) as a rhetorical question expecting a negative answer, “[When you do these things], should I keep silent?” (cf. NEB). See GKC 335 §112.cc.

[50:21]  ² tn The Hebrew infinitive construct (הֱיוֹת, heyot) appears to function like the infinitive absolute here, adding emphasis to the following finite verbal form (אֶהְיֶה, ’ehyeh). See GKC 339-40 §113.a. Some prefer to emend הֱיוֹת (heyot) to the infinitive absolute form הָיוֹ (hayo).

[50:21]  ³ tn Or “rebuke” (see v. 8).

[50:21]  ⁴ tn Heb “and I will set in order [my case against you] to your eyes.” The cohortative form expresses the Lord’s resolve to accuse and judge the wicked.

[71:19]  ⁵ tn Heb “your justice, O God, [is] unto the height.” The Hebrew term מָרוֹם (marom, “height”) is here a title for the sky/heavens.

[71:19]  ⁶ tn Heb “you who have done great things.”

[71:19]  ⁷ tn Or “Who is like you?”

[89:8]  ⁹ tn Traditionally “God of hosts.” The title here pictures the Lord as enthroned in the midst of the angelic hosts of heaven.