David wrote this psalm about a problem he was having with enemy nations. There is no correlation with any historical scripture. The closest period of time this may resemble is while Saul was still king.
In verse 2, David describes a possible earthquake: “You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.” David appears to consider this naturally occurring event as God showing His anger against Israel. Again in verse 3, David used a metaphor to describe how insecure he and all the people felt.
While not specifically stating the background in the psalm, David wrote in the title that it was at a time when the nomadic people of Aram were invading their borders. The Arameans lived in parts of present day Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan and consisted of several tribes. Evidently, while the invasion was going on, the earthquake happened.
Yes, even David imagined that God had turned against His people. “You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses.” Then he wrote, “But You have raised a banner for those who fear you – a rallying point in the face of attack.” “Have You rejected us, O God? Will You no longer march with our armies?”
We might imagine ourselves in a similar situation. Life can be hard and cause us to doubt what we believe. Why would God allow us to be in such a troubling situation? What did we do to make God angry with us we might ask ourselves? But David found the answer. He prayed, “Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. With God’s help we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes.” (verses 11-12 NLT).