◄ Psalm 71:7 ►
I have become a portent to many, but You are my strong refuge.
Study Bible
a portent
The Hebrew word for "portent" can also be translated as "wonder" or "sign." In biblical times, a portent was often seen as a divine sign or a miraculous event that pointed to God's power and presence. The psalmist acknowledges that his life has become a testimony to others, a visible demonstration of God's work. This can be both a source of awe and a call to reflection for those who witness it. In a conservative Christian perspective, believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect God's glory, becoming living testimonies of His grace and power.

to many
This phrase emphasizes the widespread impact of the psalmist's life. It is not just a few who see the psalmist as a portent, but many. This suggests a public witness, where the psalmist's experiences and faith journey are observed by a broad audience. Historically, the people of Israel were called to be a light to the nations, and here, the psalmist's life serves a similar purpose. In the Christian context, this can be seen as a call for believers to be salt and light in the world, influencing many through their faith and actions.

but You are
The contrast introduced by "but" highlights a shift in focus from the psalmist's condition to God's character. This phrase underscores the personal relationship between the psalmist and God. The use of "You" is intimate and direct, indicating a deep trust and reliance on God. It reflects the psalmist's understanding that despite being a portent to many, it is ultimately God who is central to his life and identity.

my strong refuge
The imagery of God as a "strong refuge" conveys a sense of safety, protection, and stability. In ancient times, a refuge was a place of shelter from danger or distress, often a fortified location. The psalmist declares God as his ultimate place of security, a fortress that cannot be shaken. This metaphor is rich with meaning, suggesting that in the midst of life's uncertainties and challenges, God remains a steadfast protector. For conservative Christians, this is a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature and His promise to be a refuge for those who trust in Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is expressing his reliance on God amidst adversity.

2. God as Refuge
The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as a place of safety and protection.

3. Adversaries
Implied in the text, these are the people who view the psalmist as a "portent" or sign, often with negative connotations.

4. Israel
The broader context of the psalm reflects the experiences of Israel, often seen as a sign or wonder among nations.

5. The Sanctuary
While not directly mentioned, the concept of God as a refuge often alludes to the sanctuary or temple as a place of divine presence and protection.
Teaching Points
Understanding Portent
The Hebrew word for "portent" (mofet) can mean a sign or wonder, often with a sense of being unusual or noteworthy. Believers may be seen as different or peculiar in the world, serving as signs of God's work.

God as Our Refuge
Just as the psalmist finds safety in God, we are encouraged to seek refuge in Him during times of distress. This involves trusting in His protection and provision.

Living as a Witness
Our lives should reflect God's presence, becoming a testimony to others. This may mean standing out or being misunderstood, but it ultimately points others to God.

Facing Adversity with Faith
The psalmist's experience teaches us to remain steadfast in faith, even when others view us negatively. Our confidence should be in God's unchanging nature.

The Role of Community
While the psalmist speaks individually, the broader context of Scripture encourages believers to find refuge not only in God but also within the community of faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of being a "portent" or sign apply to your life as a believer today?

2. In what ways can you actively seek God as your refuge in times of trouble?

3. How can you live in such a way that your life becomes a testimony to others about God's faithfulness?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to remain steadfast in faith when facing adversity?

5. How can the community of faith support you in your journey of being a sign and refuge in the world?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 46:1
This verse also describes God as a refuge and strength, emphasizing His role as a protector in times of trouble.

Isaiah 8:18
The prophet Isaiah speaks of himself and his children as signs and portents in Israel, similar to the psalmist's experience.

Hebrews 6:18
This New Testament passage speaks of taking refuge in God, highlighting the hope set before us.

1 Peter 2:12
Believers are called to live such good lives among the pagans that they may see their good deeds and glorify God, reflecting the idea of being a sign to others.

2 Samuel 22:31
David praises God as a shield and refuge, reinforcing the theme of divine protection.
Sermons
A Wonder unto ManyJohn Cawood, M. A.Psalm 71:7
The Suffering Righteous Man in His Old AgeC. Short Psalm 71:1-13
A Picture of a Pious Old ManHomilistPsalm 71:1-24
Godly Old AgeW. Forsyth Psalm 71:1-24
The Vow of FaithR. C. Ford, M. A.Psalm 71:1-24
People
Psalmist, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Marvel, Portent, Refuge, Strong, Tower, Wonder
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 71:5-7

     8215   confidence, results

Library
December 22. "My Tongue Also Shall Talk of Thy Righteousness all the Day Long" (Ps. Lxxi. 24).
"My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long" (Ps. lxxi. 24). It is a simple law of nature, that air always comes in to fill a vacuum. You can produce a draught at any time, by heating the air until it ascends, and then the cold air rushes in to supply its place. And so we can always be filled with the Holy Spirit by providing a vacuum. This breath is dependent upon exhausting the previous breath before you can inhale a fresh one. And so we must empty our hearts of the last breath …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

More and More
David had not been slack in praise: indeed, he was a sweet singer in Israel, a very choir-master unto the Lord yet he vowed to praise him more and more. Those who do much already, are usually the people who can do more. He was old. Would he praise God more when he was infirm than he had done when he was young and vigorous? If he could not excel with loudness of voice, yet would he with eagerness of heart; and what his praise might lack in sound, it should gain in solemn earnestness. He was in trouble …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of this Life
Oh most blessed mansion of the City which is above! Oh most clear day of eternity which the night obscureth not, but the Supreme Truth ever enlighteneth! Day always joyful, always secure and never changing its state into those which are contrary. Oh would that this day might shine forth, and that all these temporal things would come to an end. It shineth indeed upon the Saints, glowing with unending brightness, but only from afar and through a glass, upon those who are pilgrims on the earth. …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

For Old Age. --Ps. Lxxi.
For Old Age.--Ps. lxxi. Lord, I have put my trust in Thee, Turn not my confidence to shame; Thy promise is a rock to me, A tower of refuge is Thy name. Thou hast upheld me from the womb; Thou wert my strength and hope in youth; Now trembling, bending o'er the tomb, I lean upon Thine arm of truth. Though I have long outlived my peers, And stand amid the world alone, (A stranger left by former years), I know my God,--by Him am known. Cast me not off in mine old age, Forsake me not in my last hour; …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his Sword Upon his Thigh Because of Fear in the Night.
They all hold swords to engage in combat with the soul which, by a secret presumption, attributes to self what belongs to God only; and this causes them to exclaim with united voice; Who is like unto God? The Divine Righteousness is the first that comes to fight with and destroy the self-righteousness of the creature, and then comes strength to bring to naught the power of man, and causing him to enter by experience of his own infinite weakness into the strength of the Lord (Psalm lxxi. 16), teaches …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary.
To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which …
St. Augustine—On Patience

The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Let Thus Much have Been Said with Regard to Charity...
20. Let thus much have been said with regard to charity, without which in us there cannot be true patience, because in good men it is the love of God which endureth all things, as in bad men the lust of the world. But this love is in us by the Holy Spirit which was given us. Whence, of Whom cometh in us love, of Him cometh patience. But the lust of the world, when it patiently bears the burdens of any manner of calamity, boasts of the strength of its own will, like as of the stupor of disease, not …
St. Augustine—On Patience

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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