John Calvin Commentary Psalms 118:6

"Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?" — Psalms 118:6 (ASV)

Jehovah is with me among those who help me. Confiding solely in God’s help, he defies not just a few enemies, but the whole world. “Defended by God’s hand, I may boldly and safely nullify all the schemes of men.” When all the power of the universe is considered as nothing in comparison with God, then indeed, due honor is attributed to Him.

Thus he implicitly rebukes the unbelief of almost all people, who needlessly alarm themselves with groundless fears. All, indeed, desire peace of mind; but because of robbing God of the praise due to His power, their own ingratitude does not permit them to experience this blessing. If they were, as they should, to submit in all things to the good pleasure and power of God, they would always be ready to boldly overcome all those difficulties, the dread of which periodically troubles them.

But by giving more importance to the malicious schemes of men than to the help God can give them, they deserve to tremble at the rustling of a falling leaf. It is David’s wish, by his own example, to correct such waywardness. For this reason, he affirms that, while enjoying God’s favor, he would fear no one, being fully persuaded that God could rescue him from all the wicked plots schemed against him.

If he composed this psalm after his deliverance, we see how much he benefited from the experience of God’s grace. Therefore, whenever God helps us, our confidence in Him for the future should increase, and we should not forget His goodness and power, which we experienced in our greatest need.

Possibly, he recounts the thoughts that came to him amidst his distresses. However, the first suggestion appears more probable: that after he obtained deliverance, he would glory in God’s continued assistance for the future.

Some refer the clause those who are helpers with me, to the small troop David had gathered to him. However, this interpretation, in my opinion, is too subtle, as it would do little to honor God to classify Him among the six hundred whom David commanded, as if He were merely one of the soldiers. My interpretation is simpler: he calls God his helper. “It is enough for me that God is on my side.” Even if he were deprived of all human aid, he would still have no hesitation in setting God against all his enemies.