14 The meaning of the Hebrew term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) is uncertain. The word is derived from a verb meaning “to be prudent; to be wise.” Various options are: “a contemplative song,” “a song imparting moral wisdom,” or “a skillful [i.e., well-written] song.” The term also occurs in the superscriptions of Pss 32, 42, 44, 45, 52–55, 74, 78, 88, 89, and 142. Here, in a context of celebration, the meaning “skillful, well-written” would fit particularly well.
15 When a new king was enthroned, his followers would acclaim him king using this enthronement formula (Qal perfect 3ms מָלַךְ, malakh, “to reign,” followed by the name of the king). See 2 Sam 15:10; 1 Kgs 1:11, 13, 18; 2 Kgs 9:13, as well as Isa 52:7. In this context the perfect verbal form is generalizing, but the declaration logically follows the historical reference in v. 5 to the Lord’s having ascended his throne.
16 The words “along with” do not appear in the . However, the has “with,” suggesting that the original text may have read עִם עַם (’im ’am, “along with the people”). In this case the is haplographic (the consonantal sequence ayin-mem [עם] being written once instead of twice). Another option is that the is simply and correctly interpreting “people” as an adverbial accusative and supplying the appropriate preposition.
17 Heb “for to God [belong] the shields of the earth.” Perhaps the rulers are called “shields” because they are responsible for protecting their people. See Ps 84:9, where the Davidic king is called “our shield,” and perhaps also Hos 4:18.
18 The verb עָלָה (’alah, “ascend”) appears once more (see v. 5), though now in the Niphal stem.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

For God is the King of all the earth;

sing praises with a psalm!

God reigns over the nations;

God sits on his holy throne.

The princes of the peoples gather

as the people of the God of Abraham.

For the shields of the earth belong to God;

he is highly exalted!

NIVNew International Version (2011)

For God is the King of all the earth;

sing to him a psalm of praise.

God reigns over the nations;

God is seated on his holy throne.

The nobles of the nations assemble

as the people of the God of Abraham,

for the kings of the earth belong to God;

he is greatly exalted.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Sing a song of wisdom,

for God is King of the whole earth.

God reigns over the nations;

God is seated on his holy throne.

The nobles of the peoples have assembled

with the people of the God of Abraham.

For the leaders of the earth belong to God;

he is greatly exalted.

NLTNew Living Translation

For God is the King over all the earth.

Praise him with a psalm.

God reigns above the nations,

sitting on his holy throne.

The rulers of the world have gathered together

with the people of the God of Abraham.

For all the kings of the earth belong to God.

He is highly honored everywhere.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

For God is king of all the earth.

Sing praises with understanding.

God reigns over nations;

God sits on his holy throne.

The princes of the peoples are gathered together

with the people of Abraham’s God.

For the shields of the earth belong to God.

He is very exalted.

KJV 1900King James Version

For God is the King of all the earth:

Sing ye praises with understanding.

God reigneth over the heathen:

God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

The princes of the people are gathered together,

Even the people of the God of Abraham:

For the shields of the earth belong unto God:

He is greatly exalted.

Public Domain