Psalm 71:7

7 I have become an ominous sign to many, but You are my strong refuge.^[a]

Psalm 71:7 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 71:7

I am as a wonder unto many
To the multitude, to the populace, or "to the great" ^F21 and mighty; and indeed to both: which respects not his wonderful preservation from the womb, he had before observed; nor his being in a wonderful manner raised to the throne of Israel; nor the wonderful things and amazing exploits done by him, and victories he obtained; nor the wonderful instances of divine grace and goodness to him; but rather the forlorn and distressed state and condition he was now in, being obliged to quit his palace, and flee from the face of his son, accompanied only with a few of his servants; and so was a shocking sight, a spectacle, as the apostle says of himself, to others, to the world, to angels, and to men, ( 1 Corinthians 4:9 ) ; so the Messiah and his children are said to be set for signs and wonders, ( Isaiah 8:18 ) ; and Joshua and his fellows to be men wondered at, ( Zechariah 3:8 ) ; as the saints are by themselves, that they should partake of such favours; and by the angels, that they should be the objects of electing, redeeming, calling, adopting, justifying, and pardoning grace; and by the world, that they should choose to suffer affliction and reproach for Christ, bear it with so much patience, and be supported, and thrive under it; see ( 2 Corinthians 6:8-10 ) ;

but thou [art] my strong refuge;
or "my refuge of strength" ^F23; his refuge and strength, as in ( Psalms 46:1 ) ; his refuge, to which he betook himself, when refuge failed him, and no man cared for him, and which he found to be a strong one, and in it safety.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 (Mybrl) "multis vel magnis", Piscator; so Ainsworth.
F23 (ze yoxm) "refugium meum roboris", Gejerus.

Psalm 71:7 In-Context

5 For You are my hope, Lord God , my confidence from my youth.

6 I have leaned on You from birth; You took me from my mother's womb. My praise is always about You.

7 I have become an ominous sign to many, but You are my strong refuge.

8 My mouth is full of praise and honor to You all day long.

9 Don't discard me in my old age: as my strength fails, do not abandon me.

Footnotes

• [a] Ps 62:7; 73:28; 91:2,9