3. God Alone Rewards Us (vv. 9-12). When David looked to the Lord, he saw himself as a weak tottering fence and wall (v. 3). Now, when he looked at his enemies, he saw them as–nothing! No matter how high socially or how powerful economically, all men are but vanity (“a breath”–102:3; James 4:14; Job 7:7). Put them on the scales and nothing will register, because they weigh nothing (Job 6:2; Isa. 40:15; Dan. 5:27). David’s enemies had acquired their power and wealth by oppressing and abusing others, and David warned his own people not to adopt their philosophy of life. How tragic when God’s people today put their trust in their wealth, positions, and human abilities and not in the God who alone can give blessing.

The phrase “once … twice” in verse 11 is a Hebrew way of saying “many times, repeatedly” (Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; Job 33:14). David had often heard these words, and the lesson they carried was written on his heart: God is powerful and God is merciful. God’s strength and loving-kindness are sufficient for every crisis of life, for we are in the hands of a God whose omnipotent love can never fail. “Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great” (2 Sam. 24:14). God did vindicate David and give him his throne, and he reigned with great distinction. No matter what people may say about us or do to us, God keeps the books and one day will give sinners and saints the rewards they deserve. “And every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Cor. 3:8).