David is under attack from opponents when he writes this psalm. Yet he is not worried about what they are doing because he contrasts them with God. He mentions various divine attributes and actions that give him this assurance (vv. 1-2, 5-6). God alone is his deliverer and his protector, which means that while some noise is made by his opponents, it will not amount to much.
In contrast to the noise they are making, he can approach God with silence, a way of indicating his confidence and calmness because he knows that the Lord will help him. Yet we know from other psalms that this was not always the response of David when in trouble and difficulty.
He describes his opponents in verses 3 and 4. They imagine that it would be easy to get rid of David because they assume that he is only by himself, with little support. Their conspiracy does not take God and his plan into account. They use deception and lies in their speech, but David knows what is going on in their hearts.
Therefore David repeats the reasons for his confidence in God in verses 5 and 6 and expands them in verse 7, probably for the benefit of others whom he mentions in verse 8. David knew what God had promised him and he assures his supporters that he is resting in God, who is not only his refuge but theirs as well.
When facing difficulties from humans, whether low or high, it is important to realise what they are - lighter than a breath (v. 9). What power do they have in comparison to God? None. David indicates that his opponents gained their influence by sinful financial means (v. 10). Yet they seem to have power.
In response to those circumstances, David stresses that only God is truly powerful (v. 11). But how will he use his power? As far as his people are concerned (v. 12), divine power will be expressed in covenant faithfulness (as described by David already in the psalm when he says God is a fortress and a refuge). In contrast to their experience, the wicked will discover that God will use his power to bring punishment on them because of their sinful deeds (v. 12).
One of the common responses to difficulties is panic. On this occasion, David did not panic because his faith in God included the assurance that divine power was at work in protecting him from the conspiracy. Therefore, he could assure others that their God would help them too. As he comforted them, he also challenged them to trust fully in the Lord.
One commentator points out that this psalm teaches that while we have nothing to fear from man we have no reason to hope for anything from man either. That is an important lesson to learn.
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