Psalms 71:7

7 I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.

Psalms 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.


FOOTNOTES:

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

Psalms 71:7 In-Context

5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.
7 I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long.
9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.