In verse 7a the psalmist repeats what he said in verse 6a about Yahweh being his helper. Certain of this, the psalmist is able to say I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. This means not only that the psalmist’s enemies will be defeated by Yahweh, but that he, the psalmist, will see this happen (see the similar language in 54.7b; 112.8b). If the speaker is the king (which is probable), then his enemies are foreign armies that threaten the nation (verse 10), and not personal enemies as such. “See my enemies defeated” will often have to be recast in other languages to say “I will see God defeat my enemies.”

Verses 8-9 both state the same truth: Yahweh offers greater security and protection than any human being. The verbal phrase to take refuge means to seek protection, safety, security (see 2.12 and comments); and put confidence in translates the verb meaning “rely on, depend on, trust in” (see comments on “trusted” in 13.5).

In verse 9b the Hebrew word translated princes (see 113.8) does not necessarily imply royalty, but means people who are powerful and influential; so New Jerusalem Bible “the great”; Bible en français courant “influential people”; Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “great men.”

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 .