It is possible that this thought extends to a national level. The ‘foes’ pose a danger to the entire nation and the psalmist himself: ‘Slay them, lest my people forget’ (v. 12). The enemies appear to come from outside (the ‘traitors’ of v. six are matched with ‘the nations’). We also face enemies from outside. Many hostile influences threaten us in this age, just as in every other, like persistent and ready-to-snap pariah dogs. We cannot live behind closed doors. We have our immunity—or rather, the immunity that God provides to those who acknowledge Him.
The psalmist is troubled by his enemies and asks God for deliverance. He is confident God will save him because he describes God as his refuge and strength. We have received that assurance multiple times from Jesus, who, by guiding us, said, “Follow me.”
Only Jesus has the authority to speak verses 4-5 of the psalm (cf. 1 Pt 2:22). The cities are full of ‘dogs,’ and people live in constant fear. Now is the time to pray for all those persecuted, condemned, and murdered.