Psalms 72:18

KJV

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288}{H8803)} be the LORD {H3068} God {H430}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, who only doeth {H6213}{H8802)} wondrous things {H6381}{H8737)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blessed be ADONAI, God, the God of Isra'el, who alone works wonders.

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:

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/41-13 "Psalms 41:13 - Doxology Concluding Book One")), 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.
* **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](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - 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. 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 reign not in human effort, but in divine capability.
* **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](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") or His self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - God's Identity to Moses"). 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _baruch'_):** This word signifies a state of being praised, adored, or extolled. When applied to God, 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 adoration.
* **LORD God (Hebrew, _Yahweh Elohim'_):** "LORD" (Yahweh) is God's personal covenant name, revealing His self-existent, eternal nature and His faithfulness to His promises. "God" (Elohim) is a general term for deity, emphasizing His power, creatorship, and sovereignty over all things. The combination "LORD God" underscores both His intimate covenant relationship with Israel and His universal authority as the supreme Creator and Ruler.
* **Wondrous things (Hebrew, _pela'_):** 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. Examples include the parting of the Red Sea, the creation of the world, or the miraculous provision for His people.

#### 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.
* **"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.
* **"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.

#### 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. 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 **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** 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 power of the divine King.

### 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.

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - Who is like You, O LORD?")
* [Isaiah 45:5-7](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty")
* [Revelation 15:3-4](/rev/15-3 "Revelation 15:3-4 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb")

### 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. 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the one who "only doeth wondrous things" impact your perspective on personal challenges or global issues?**
* **In what specific ways have you witnessed God doing "wondrous things" in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **How can you more intentionally cultivate a spirit of praise and adoration for God's unique power and majesty in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is this doxology placed at the end of Psalm 72, which is primarily about an earthly king?**

Answer: 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. It's a common feature at the end of each of the five books of the Psalter, acting as a grand benediction that elevates the entire collection of psalms to God's glory.

**What does "wondrous things" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: "Wondrous things" (Hebrew: _pela'_) 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](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")), His mighty acts of deliverance in history (e.g., the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")), His miraculous provision for His people (e.g., manna in the wilderness, [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")), 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.

### 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](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"), 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](/luke/24-6 "Luke 24:6 - He is not here, but is risen!"), 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](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, 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](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 41:13

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

Psalms 106:48

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

1 Chronicles 29:10

¶ Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed [be] thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

Psalms 86:10

For thou [art] great, and doest wondrous things: thou [art] God alone.

Psalms 136:4

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 77:14

Thou [art] the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.