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“Doxology and Conclusion”· Psalms 72:18–20
Translation
King James Version
¶ Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
Berean Standard Bible
Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.
American Standard Version
Blessed be Jehovah God, the God of Israel, Who only doeth wondrous things:
World English Bible Messianic
Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Blessed be the Lord God, euen the God of Israel, which onely doeth wonderous things.
In the KJVVerse 15,019 of 31,102 · 48.3%
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Historical interpretation
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8 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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And as they kept silence, I went on: "[The Scripture], speaking by David about this Christ, my friends, said no longer that `in His seed' the nations should be blessed, but `in Him.' So it is here: `His name shall rise up for ever above the sun; and in Him shall all nations be blessed.' But if all nations are blessed in Christ, and we of all nations believe in Him, then He is indeed the Christ, and we are those blessed by Him. God formerly gave the sun as an object of worship, as it is written, but no one ever was seen to endure death on account of his faith in the sun; but for the name of Jesus you may see men of every nation who have endured and do endure all sufferings, rather than deny Him. For the word of His truth and wisdom is more ardent and more light-giving than the rays of the sun, and sinks down into the depths of heart and mind. Hence also the Scripture said, `His name shall rise up above the sun.' And again, Zechariah says, `His name is the East.' And speaking of the same, he says that `each tribe shall mourn.'"
But he who is before the heavens, which, according to you, are also before time, is at the same time before the ages. He is not only before the ages but before all generations that have ever existed. Why do you limit divine and infinite things by those that are perishable, earthly and narrow? Paul knows nothing in Christ except the eternity of the ages. Wisdom states that It is not after something but before all things. In your opinion, the periods of time have been determined from the sun and the moon. But David points out that Christ remains before the sun when he says, “Before the sun [is] his name.” And in order that you may not conclude that the things of God had their beginning with the origin of the world, the same one said, “And before the moon [are] the generations of generations.” Periods of time are here regarded as of no importance by such outstanding men who were worthy of the Spirit of prophecy, and the human mind has not been afforded any opportunity for reaching into the ages before the birth that transcends the eternal years. Let the faith remain within the limits of the God-fearing teaching, so that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only-begotten God and that he has been born in order that we may confess the perfect birth, and let it not forget that he is eternal when venerating his divinity.
And if, as David says in the seventy-first [LXX] psalm, “His name remains before the sun and before the moon, from one generation to another,” how did he receive what he always had, even before he now received it? Or how is he exalted, being before his exaltation the Most High? Or how did he receive the right of being worshiped, who before he now received it, was always worshiped? It is not an obscure saying but a divine mystery. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”; but for our sakes afterwards the “Word was made flesh.” And the term in question, “highly exalted,” does not signify that the essence of the Word was exalted, for he always existed and is “equal to God,” but the exaltation is of the human nature.
Let us say again: “Blessed be God, who alone does wonderful things,” who does all things and transforms them. Before yesterday you were captives, but now you are free and citizens of the church; lately you lived in the shame of your sins, but now you live in freedom and justice. You are not only free, but also holy; not only holy, but also just; not only just, but also children; not only children, but also heirs; not only heirs, but also brothers of Christ; not only brothers of Christ, but also joint heirs; not only joint heirs, but also members; not only members, but also the temple; not only the temple, but also instruments of the Spirit.
But whoever listens with deeper attention to Christ saying, "if I had not done in them the works that no other man has done" (but even if the Father and the Holy Spirit have done these, no other one has done [them] because there is one substance of the whole Trinity), he will find that he himself did [them] if ever any man of God did any such thing. For indeed, he can in himself do all things by himself; but no one can do anything without him. For Christ together with the Father and the Holy Spirit are not three gods but the one God about whom it has been written, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wonderful things." Therefore, no other individual has done whatever works he has done in them, because whatever another person has done, any one of them has done it by his doing. But he did these things himself, not by their doing.
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has done wonderful things alone" [Psalm 72:18]. Contemplating all things above spoken of, a hymn bursts forth; and the Lord God of Israel is blessed. For that is being fulfilled which has been spoken to that barren woman, "and He that has delivered You, the God of Israel, shall Himself be called of the whole earth." [Isaiah 54:5] "He does" Himself "marvellous things alone:" for whosoever do them, He does Himself work in them, "who does wonderful things alone."
So let the blind run to Christ and by receiving their sight be enlightened. Christ, after all, is light in the world, even among the worst of people. Divine miracles were performed, but no one has performed miracles from the beginning of the human race, except the one to whom Scripture says, "Who alone performs marvels." Why does it say "who alone performs marvels"? Surely, because when he wishes to perform them, he has no need of any human beings. But when a human being performs them, he does need God. He, Christ, performed miracles alone. Why? Because the Son is God in the Trinity, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God of course, "who alone performs marvels."
The marvelous deeds and miracles performed almost in our own day by the apostolic and most upright man, Emilian the priest, are so new that they urge us to relate them; yet, at the same time, so vast in scope that to recount them is frightening. How can the pen of a man who is bound to earthly things worthily reproduce the acts of a heavenly man, who, when compared with past ages, shines like the brightest star; who, when compared with the present, stands above all in his inimitable virtue? In my opinion, not even if the Tullian springs should flow and come bounding forth in copious veins of eloquence, and multiplicity of thoughts should furnish an abundant supply of words, could all those works of grace be revealed that Christ, “who alone does wondrous deeds,” has performed and still is performing through him, from the time he began to despise the world until he departed from his body and from the world. LIFE OF ST.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Psalms 72:18 serves as a majestic doxology, concluding the second book of the Psalter with a resounding declaration of God's singular sovereignty and unmatched power. While Psalm 72 primarily describes the ideal reign of an earthly king, this verse masterfully redirects all praise and focus from human authority to the divine King, the LORD God of Israel. It proclaims His exclusive ability to perform "wondrous things," underscoring His unique majesty, omnipotence, and inherent blessedness as the sole source of all extraordinary and miraculous acts.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 72 is a royal psalm, often attributed to Solomon or composed as a prayer for him, detailing the characteristics and blessings of a righteous, just, and prosperous reign. Its language, however, frequently transcends the limitations of human kingship, pointing toward the ultimate, perfect reign of the Messiah. The psalm culminates in verses 18-20, with verses 18 and 19 forming a powerful doxology that marks the end of Book Two of the Psalter. This concluding benediction, similar to those found at the end of other Psalter books (e.g., Psalms 41:13 or Psalms 89:52), shifts the reader's gaze from the earthly king's reign to the eternal and universal dominion of God Himself, emphasizing that all true blessing and wondrous deeds originate from Him alone. This structure reinforces the theological message that human authority, no matter how ideal, is always subordinate to divine sovereignty.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the king was considered God's anointed representative on earth, tasked with upholding justice, defending the vulnerable, and ensuring the nation's well-being. This ideal kingship, rooted in the Davidic Covenant, carried immense theological weight, as the king was meant to reflect God's own righteous rule. However, human kings often fell short of this divine ideal, leading to periods of injustice and national decline. Psalms 72:18, by declaring God as the one "who only doeth wondrous things," serves as a corrective and an ultimate affirmation that despite human failures or limitations, God remains the supreme and ultimate King, whose power and faithfulness transcend all earthly authority and expectations. It grounds the hope for a truly righteous and prosperous reign not in human effort, but in divine capability, reminding the audience of God's consistent intervention in their history.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. It highlights God's Divine Uniqueness and Sovereignty, asserting that only He possesses the inherent power and wisdom to perform acts that are truly extraordinary and beyond human comprehension. This leads directly to the theme of Praise and Doxology, as the verse opens with an explicit call to bless and acknowledge God's inherent goodness and supreme authority, serving as an expression of profound adoration and gratitude. Furthermore, identifying Him as "the God of Israel" underscores His Covenant Faithfulness, recalling His special relationship with His chosen people, marked by miraculous provision and powerful interventions throughout their history, such as the Exodus deliverance or His self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:6. Finally, the emphasis on "wondrous things" points to God's Miraculous Power, referring to His supernatural deeds in creation, history, and redemption, which inspire awe and demonstrate His omnipotence, as seen in passages like Psalms 136.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies to kneel, and by implication, to bless God as an act of adoration, or to bless man as a benefit. When applied to God, as in this verse, it is a declaration of His inherent goodness, worthiness, and supreme majesty. It is not that humans "make" God blessed, but rather that we acknowledge and declare His blessedness, recognizing His supreme nature and giving Him the praise due His name. It is an act of worship and profound adoration, a recognition of His ultimate source of all good.
"LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) is God's personal, covenant name, revealing His self-existent, eternal nature and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. It emphasizes His unique relationship with Israel. "God" (ʼĕlôhîym) is a plural noun used singularly, a general term for deity that emphasizes His power, creatorship, and sovereignty over all things. The combination "LORD God" (Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym) underscores both His intimate covenant relationship with Israel and His universal authority as the supreme Creator and Ruler, highlighting His personal yet transcendent nature.
This term denotes something extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond normal human understanding and capability. It refers to God's supernatural works that evoke astonishment, awe, and wonder. These are not merely impressive acts, but uniquely divine interventions that demonstrate His omnipotence and set Him apart from all other beings. The root implies something difficult, hidden, or too high for human comprehension, emphasizing the supernatural and unique character of God's deeds.
Verse Breakdown
"Blessed be the LORD God"
This opening phrase functions as a doxology, a formal expression of praise and adoration directed towards God. It is an acknowledgment of His inherent goodness, worthiness of worship, and supreme authority. It sets the tone for the entire declaration, shifting focus from any earthly king to the divine King, proclaiming His intrinsic blessedness.
"the God of Israel"
This specific appellation highlights God's unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. It recalls His faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His historical acts of deliverance, provision, and guidance for the nation of Israel. It grounds His universal power in His particular historical engagement with humanity, emphasizing His personal commitment to His covenant people.
"who only doeth wondrous things"
This climactic clause asserts God's absolute uniqueness and exclusive power. The word "only" (Hebrew, levaddo') emphasizes that God alone possesses the ability to perform truly miraculous, awe-inspiring deeds that transcend natural laws and human capabilities. It distinguishes Him from all false gods, human rulers, or any other created power, affirming His singular omnipotence and majesty as the sole author of the truly extraordinary.
Literary Devices
Psalms 72:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is Doxology, as the verse functions as a formal expression of praise and glory to God, particularly at the conclusion of a major section of the Psalter. This doxological form elevates the subject from the earthly to the divine, providing a fitting theological climax. The use of Divine Epithets—"LORD God" and "the God of Israel"—serves to precisely identify and magnify the object of praise, emphasizing both His personal covenant relationship and His universal sovereignty. The phrase "who only doeth wondrous things" employs Emphasis (or hyperbole, though emphasis is more precise here) to underscore God's unparalleled and exclusive power, asserting that no other entity can perform works of such magnitude and wonder. This also creates a strong sense of Contrast between the limited capabilities of human kings (the subject of the preceding psalm) and the limitless, unique power of the divine King, redirecting ultimate worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 72:18 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God, asserting His absolute uniqueness, omnipotence, and worthiness of ultimate praise. It reminds us that while human leaders and institutions may strive for justice and peace, true and lasting "wondrous things"—miraculous interventions, redemptive acts, and the establishment of perfect righteousness—are solely within God's purview. This verse serves as a powerful anchor for faith, directing our gaze beyond earthly limitations to the God who is capable of the impossible. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is not merely the greatest among many, but the one, incomparable God whose works are fundamentally distinct and awe-inspiring, demanding our worship and trust. It is a declaration of divine aseity and absolute sovereignty.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 72:18 calls believers to a profound posture of worship and unwavering trust in the face of life's challenges. In a world often marked by human fallibility, injustice, and seemingly insurmountable problems, this verse refocuses our attention on the God who "only doeth wondrous things." It encourages us to cultivate a heart of constant adoration, recognizing that the God we serve is not limited by human capacity or earthly circumstances. We are invited to marvel at His active presence in our lives and in the world, discerning His hand in both grand miracles and subtle providences, understanding that His power is not diminished by time or human doubt. This verse instills confidence that the same God who parted seas, raised the dead, and created the cosmos is still at work, capable of bringing about extraordinary solutions and fulfilling His purposes, thereby inspiring us to live lives of deeper faith, humility, and expectant prayer, knowing that our hope rests in His unparalleled ability.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this doxology placed at the end of Psalm 72, which is primarily about an earthly king?
The placement of this doxology is highly significant and intentional. Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, detailing the ideal reign of a righteous king, often understood as Solomon or a messianic figure. However, the psalm's language often points beyond any human monarch to a perfect, eternal reign. By concluding with "Blessed be the LORD God... who only doeth wondrous things," the Psalmist redirects all ultimate praise and glory from the earthly king to the divine King. It serves as a theological anchor, reminding the reader that even the most righteous human ruler is merely a reflection, and all true power, justice, and miraculous deeds originate solely from God. This doxology functions as a grand benediction, a common feature at the end of each of the five books of the Psalter (e.g., Psalms 41:13, Psalms 89:52, Psalms 106:48), elevating the entire collection of psalms to God's glory and ensuring that all human endeavors are seen in light of His supreme sovereignty.
What does "wondrous things" specifically refer to in this context?
"Wondrous things" (Hebrew: pâlâʼ) refers to God's unique, supernatural, and awe-inspiring acts that transcend human capability and understanding. It encompasses His creative power (e.g., the formation of the cosmos in Genesis 1), His mighty acts of deliverance in history (e.g., the Exodus from Egypt), His miraculous provision for His people (e.g., manna in the wilderness, Exodus 16), and His redemptive work throughout salvation history. These are deeds that inspire profound awe, demonstrate His omnipotence, and serve as undeniable evidence of His divine nature, distinguishing Him from all false gods and limited human powers. They are acts that reveal His character and His active involvement in the world, often defying natural explanation or human expectation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 72:18 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal King, the very embodiment of the "LORD God" who "only doeth wondrous things." While Psalm 72 describes an ideal earthly king, its language often stretches beyond human capacity, pointing to the perfect, messianic reign that only Christ could establish. Jesus, as the Word through whom all things were made, is the divine agent of creation, performing the ultimate "wondrous thing" by bringing the cosmos into existence. Throughout His earthly ministry, He demonstrated His divine power by performing countless "wondrous things"—healing the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, and raising the dead, culminating in His own resurrection from the grave, the greatest miracle of all. His redemptive work on the cross and His glorious resurrection are the supreme "wondrous things" that reconcile humanity to God, offering salvation and eternal life. As the heir of all things and the one through whom God upholds the universe, Christ perfectly embodies the unique power and sovereignty celebrated in this verse. Therefore, when we declare "Blessed be the LORD God... who only doeth wondrous things," we are ultimately blessing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, acknowledging Christ as the one through whom God's most extraordinary and saving acts are revealed and accomplished, leading to His ultimate exaltation where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.