12 The construction vav (ו) + subject highlights the contrast between the exalted Lord and his defeated foes (see v. 6).
13 Heb “sits” (i.e., enthroned, see v. 4). The imperfect verbal form highlights the generalization.
14 Heb “he establishes for justice his throne.”
15 Heb “the peoples.” The imperfect verbal forms in v. 8 either describe God’s typical, characteristic behavior, or anticipate a future judgment of worldwide proportions (“will judge …”).
16 Following the imperfect in v. 9, the construction vav (ו) conjunctive + shortened form of the prefixed verb הָיָה (hayah) indicates a consequence or result of the preceding statement. The construction functions this same way in Pss 81:15 and 104:20.
17 Heb “and the Lord is an elevated place for the oppressed.” The singular form דָּךְ (dakh, “oppressed”) is collective here.
18 Heb “[he is] an elevated place for times in trouble.” Here an “elevated place” refers to a stronghold, a defensible, secure position that represents a safe haven in times of unrest or distress (cf. “tower of strength”; , “stronghold”).

In other versions

But the Lord sits enthroned forever;

he has established his throne for justice,

and he judges the world with righteousness;

he judges the peoples with uprightness.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

The Lord reigns forever;

he has established his throne for judgment.

He rules the world in righteousness

and judges the peoples with equity.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

But the Lord sits enthroned forever;

he has established his throne for judgment.

And he judges the world with righteousness;

he executes judgment on the nations with fairness.

The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted,

a refuge in times of trouble.

But the Lord reigns forever,

executing judgment from his throne.

He will judge the world with justice

and rule the nations with fairness.

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.

But Yahweh sits enthroned forever.

He has established his throne for judgment.

And he will judge the world with righteousness.

He will judge the peoples with equity.

And Yahweh will be a stronghold for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of distress.

But the Lord shall endure for ever:

He hath prepared his throne for judgment.

And he shall judge the world in righteousness,

He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

A refuge in times of trouble.

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