Psalms 72:18

Psalms 72:18 is a powerful declaration of praise and a doxology, marking the conclusion of the second book of Psalms. It shifts focus from the reign of an earthly king, which is the primary subject of Psalm 72, to the eternal and unique reign of God Himself. This verse is a profound statement of God's unmatched power and majesty.

Context

Psalm 72 is largely attributed to Solomon, or perhaps a prayer for him, describing the ideal reign of a righteous king—one who judges justly, defends the poor, and brings prosperity and peace. However, its language often transcends human kingship, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Verses 18 and 19 serve as a concluding benediction, a common feature at the end of each of the five books of the Psalter (e.g., Psalms 41:13). This doxology redirects all glory and praise from the earthly king to the divine King, the LORD God, who is the source of all true blessing and wondrous acts.

Key Themes

• Divine Uniqueness and Sovereignty: The phrase "who only doeth wondrous things" underscores God's singular ability and exclusive power to perform extraordinary acts that are beyond human comprehension or capability. He is unique in His might and wisdom.
• Praise and Doxology: The verse begins with "Blessed be the LORD God," an explicit call to worship and acknowledge God's inherent goodness and supreme authority. It is an expression of profound adoration and gratitude.
• God of Israel's Covenant Faithfulness: Identifying Him as "the God of Israel" highlights His special covenant relationship with His chosen people, a relationship marked by His miraculous provision and powerful interventions throughout their history (e.g., the Exodus, Exodus 3:6).
• God's Miraculous Power: The "wondrous things" refer to God's supernatural deeds, His miracles, and His incredible works in creation, history, and redemption. These are acts that inspire awe and demonstrate His omnipotence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "wondrous things" is pela' (פֶּלֶא), which signifies something extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond normal human understanding. It often refers to God's works of power that evoke astonishment and awe, such as the parting of the Red Sea or the creation of the world. This emphasizes that God's actions are not merely impressive; they are uniquely divine and supernatural.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for believers to fix their gaze on God's unparalleled power and goodness. In a world often filled with challenges, Psalms 72:18 encourages:

• Worship and Adoration: To constantly bless and praise the LORD God for who He is and for His mighty works.
• Trust in God's Ability: To find comfort and confidence in knowing that the God we serve is capable of doing "wondrous things"—even in seemingly impossible situations.
• Recognition of Divine Activity: To cultivate an awareness of God's active presence and intervention in our lives and in the world around us, seeing His hand in both the grand and the subtle.

Ultimately, this verse calls us to marvel at the God who is truly unique, whose power knows no bounds, and who continuously performs acts that inspire wonder and draw us into deeper worship.