A psalmist is the writer or speaker of a psalm. The psalmist here faces many enemies. Those enemies speak boldly and without respect (Psalm 4:6; 12:4; 40:15). They question whether the Lord can really save him (10:11; 22:7–8; 71:10). Their words trouble the psalmist because it seems the Lord will not answer his prayer.
These enemies hold great power (compare Psalm 2:1–3). Unlike Psalm 2, this psalm does not resolve the crisis.