Psalms 71:7
I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
Original Language Analysis
כְּ֭מוֹפֵת
I am as a wonder
H4159
כְּ֭מוֹפֵת
I am as a wonder
Strong's:
H4159
Word #:
1 of 6
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
הָיִ֣יתִי
H1961
הָיִ֣יתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְרַבִּ֑ים
unto many
H7227
לְרַבִּ֑ים
unto many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
3 of 6
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Isaiah 8:18Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.1 Corinthians 4:9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.Jeremiah 16:19O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.Psalms 62:7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.Psalms 61:3For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.Zechariah 3:6And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,Luke 2:34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Historical Context
David's rise from shepherd to king through supernatural preservation and victories made him legendary. Yet he consistently attributed success to God, not personal ability or fortune.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God's preservation through trials made your life a 'wonder' that testifies to His faithfulness?
- What is the difference between seeking attention for yourself versus giving God glory through your testimony?
- How can you leverage your story of God's faithfulness to strengthen others' faith?
Analysis & Commentary
Being 'a wonder unto many' means the psalmist's experience—preserved through extraordinary trials—astonishes observers. Yet 'thou art my strong refuge' explains the wonder: God's protecting power, not human resilience. Others marvel at survival; the believer knows the true source. This testimony glorifies God and encourages other believers. Paul similarly became a 'spectacle' whose sufferings magnified Christ's sustaining grace (1 Corinthians 4:9, 2 Corinthians 12:9).