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.