The psalmist in verse 1 compares the security of Those who trust in the LORD to the strength and stability of Mount Zion (see 2.6). It is unshakable (cannot be moved) and will never disappear (abides for ever). Good News Translation‘s passives “never be shaken, never be moved” must sometimes be recast as “no one can shake it or move it.”

In verse 2 the psalmist compares the protection provided by Yahweh to the mountains around Jerusalem. In the same way Yahweh surrounds his people, that is, protects them from danger. For verse 2c see 121.8c. In some languages it will not be possible to say “the LORD surrounds his people.” It may be necessary, therefore, to make a comparison in the following way: “As the mountains are around Jerusalem, so the LORD puts his arms around his people” or “The LORD protects his people like the mountains protect Jerusalem.”

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 .