What does Psalms 71:7 mean?
"I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge." - Psalms 71:7

In Psalms 71:7, the verse reads, "I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge." This verse is a powerful declaration of the psalmist's trust and reliance on God despite the challenges and opposition he faces.
The theme of the verse revolves around the faith and resilience of the psalmist in the face of adversity. The psalmist acknowledges that he is perceived as a wonder by many, perhaps due to the trials and tribulations he has endured. However, he finds solace and strength in God, whom he describes as his "strong refuge." This verse not only reveals the struggles of the psalmist but also his unwavering faith in God as his source of strength and protection.
The context of this verse is crucial in understanding its significance. Psalm 71 is attributed to King David, who is depicted as an elderly man reflecting on his lifetime of experiences and trials. Throughout the psalm, David expresses his unwavering trust in God and prays for deliverance from his enemies. This verse falls within the broader context of David's plea for God's protection and strength in the face of adversaries.
The symbolism in this verse is profound. The psalmist's portrayal of himself as "a wonder unto many" suggests that he is perceived as an anomaly or a marvel due to the challenges and opposition he faces. This symbolizes the isolating and dehumanizing effects of adversity, as the psalmist feels misunderstood and alienated by others. However, the symbol of God as a "strong refuge" conveys a contrasting image of safety and security. This symbolizes the psalmist's unwavering belief in God's ability to provide sanctuary and strength amidst the trials and tribulations he endures.
The imagery in this verse also evokes a sense of juxtaposition. The psalmist's portrayal of himself as "a wonder unto many" is contrasted with his affirmation of God as his "strong refuge." This contrast highlights the psalmist's reliance on God in the face of human misunderstanding and adversity. The imagery of a refuge conveys a sense of protection, shelter, and security, emphasizing the psalmist's belief in God as his ultimate source of strength and support.
Furthermore, the language used in this verse reflects the psalmist's deep emotional and spiritual connection with God. The use of the word "wonder" conveys a sense of astonishment and marvel, reflecting the psalmist's acknowledgment of his own predicament. However, the psalmist's affirmation of God as his "strong refuge" conveys a sense of unwavering trust and confidence. The juxtaposition of these contrasting emotions and beliefs underscores the depth of the psalmist's faith and the complexity of his experience.
In conclusion, Psalms 71:7 is a powerful declaration of the psalmist's unwavering faith in God as his source of strength and protection. The verse conveys the theme of resilience in the face of adversity and the psalmist's reliance on God amidst the challenges he faces. Its profound symbolism, context, and imagery contribute to the verse's significance, highlighting the psalmist's deep emotional and spiritual connection with God. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and refuge that can be found in God, even in the midst of life's trials and tribulations.
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Psalms 71:7 - "I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge."
"I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge." - Psalms 71:7
Psalms 71:14 - "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more."
Psalms 71:21 - "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."
Psalms 71:8 - "Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day."
Psalms 71:11 - "Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him."
Psalms 119:71 - "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
Psalms 71:9 - "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."
Psalms 71:12 - "O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help."
Psalms 71:10 - "For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,"
Psalms 71:1 - "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion."
"O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help." - Psalms 71:12
Psalms 71:16 - "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."
Psalms 71:4 - "Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man."
Psalms 71:5 - "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth."
Psalms 71:2 - "Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me."
Psalms 71:13 - "Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt."
Psalms 78:71 - "From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance."
"Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man." - Psalms 71:4
Psalms 71:15 - "My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof."
Psalms 71:17 - "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."
Psalms 71:23 - "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed."
Psalms 71:24 - "My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt."
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." - Psalms 71:14
"Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me." - Psalms 71:2
Psalms 71:19 - "Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!"
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." - Psalms 71:14
"From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance." - Psalms 78:71
Psalms 71:20 - "Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth."
"I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel." - Psalms 71:22