Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just a closing praise; it's a declaration that the incredible future described in the psalm hinges on God's unique, unparalleled power. It highlights that no human ruler, not even Solomon, could orchestrate such lasting peace and prosperity alone – only God's singular, wondrous work can achieve it.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm, which celebrates the ideal reign of Solomon and points to an even greater King to come, concludes with a powerful doxology. The psalmist breaks forth in praise, affirming God's unique ability to perform marvelous deeds, especially in establishing and sustaining righteous rule. These verses serve as a fitting capstone, calling for the entire earth to be filled with God's glory in anticipation of this promised, everlasting kingdom.
Ever wonder why God is called the 'God of Israel' specifically, and what that implies about His unique power?
This verse anchors our praise to the 'God of Israel.' This isn't just a geographical or ethnic label; it's a declaration of His covenant faithfulness.
A Chosen People, A Chosen God
God didn't choose Israel randomly. He entered into a special relationship with them, marked by powerful acts that set them apart. This title signifies that the God who created the cosmos is the same God who orchestrated Israel's history, performing 'wondrous things' specifically for them – like the Exodus from Egypt, guidance through the wilderness, and miraculous provision.
Alone in His Power
The phrase 'who alone does wondrous things' is crucial. It means that no other deity or power can perform such miracles. Human efforts, no matter how grand, are limited. But God's power is absolute and unique. This exclusivity isn't about God hoarding power, but about highlighting that all true, awe-inspiring acts originate from Him alone.
When we hear 'wondrous things,' we often think of parting seas. But what else does this phrase encompass?
The 'wondrous things' God does aren't limited to supernatural displays of power. While miracles are certainly included, this phrase points to a broader spectrum of God's awe-inspiring actions.
Creation's Masterpiece
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From the very beginning, God's creative act was a 'wondrous thing.' Bringing the universe into existence from nothing is a feat no one else can claim. The intricate design of nature, the cycles of life, and the very breath in our lungs are testaments to His unique power.
Redemption's Grand Design
Perhaps the most profound 'wondrous thing' is God's redemptive plan. The incarnation of His Son, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection are unparalleled acts of love and power. This isn't just about saving individuals, but about restoring humanity and creation itself. The establishment of His kingdom, even amidst opposition, is a continuous demonstration of His wondrous work.
Sustaining Grace
Beyond the grand events, God's daily grace is also wondrous. His patience with our failures, His provision for our needs, and His ongoing guidance are constant, though often overlooked, displays of His power and love.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The divine personal name of God, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, eternity, and covenant faithfulness to His people.
pele · Hebrew Noun
Uncommon, miraculous, or extraordinary acts performed by God that display His power, sovereignty, and holiness. These acts are often intended to evoke awe and recognition of His deity.
While this psalm looks to the reign of Solomon as a fulfillment of God's promises, its final words of praise and awe point beyond any earthly king to the ultimate, wondrous work of God Himself.
c. 1015 BC— this verse
Solomon's Reign Begins
David, the king and poet, concludes his final psalm, entrusting the future to his son Solomon. This psalm, filled with prophecies of a just and prosperous reign, looks forward to a golden age under Solomon, a king known for his wisdom.
c. 1015-975 BC
Solomon's Glorious Reign
Solomon's rule is marked by immense wisdom, vast wealth, and remarkable peace, fulfilling many of the psalm's predictions. This era is seen as a pinnacle of Israel's prosperity and divine favor.
c. 975 BC
Solomon's Decline and Idolatry
Towards the end of his life, Solomon tragically deviates from God's path, building altars for foreign gods due to influence from his many foreign wives. This marked a turning point for the kingdom.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death and the unwise reign of his son Rehoboam, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Southern Kingdom of Judah, after centuries of unfaithfulness, is conquered by Babylon. The Temple is destroyed, and many of the people are exiled, marking a profound national tragedy.
This passage echoes the awe and wonder found in Psalm 72:18, as Moses declares, 'Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, working wonders?' It highlights God's unparalleled power, celebrated after His mighty acts.
Isaiah 25:1This verse speaks of God's wondrous deeds in a future, messianic context, similar to Psalm 72's anticipation. It states, 'O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, planned from of old, in faithfulness and truth.' This connection points to the enduring nature of God's 'wondrous things' across salvation history.
Acts 2:22When Peter preaches about Jesus, he emphasizes His miraculous works, calling Him 'Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him among you.' This connects the idea of 'wondrous things' directly to the person and work of Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the Psalm's hope.
Psalm 136:4This repeated declaration, 'Give thanks to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever,' reinforces the idea that God's wondrous deeds are unique and a testament to His unfailing love, mirroring the sentiment of Psalm 72:18.
poolePsalms 72:18: "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things."
Who hath given to his people such a glorious and excellent king and governor, and such wonderful blessings as they do and shall enjoy under his government.
jfbPsalms 72:18: "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things."
18, 19. These words close the Psalm in terms consistent with the style of the context, while Ps 72:20 is evidently, from its prosaic style, an addition for the purpose above explained [see on [608]Ps 72:1].
This verse isn't just a closing praise; it's a declaration that the incredible future described in the psalm hinges on God's unique, unparalleled power. It highlights that no human ruler, not even Solomon, could orchestrate such lasting peace and prosperity alone – only God's singular, wondrous work can achieve it.
This psalm, which celebrates the ideal reign of Solomon and points to an even greater King to come, concludes with a powerful doxology. The psalmist breaks forth in praise, affirming God's unique ability to perform marvelous deeds, especially in establishing and sustaining righteous rule. These verses serve as a fitting capstone, calling for the entire earth to be filled with God's glory in anticipation of this promised, everlasting kingdom.
This psalm, which celebrates the ideal reign of Solomon and points to an even greater King to come, concludes with a powerful doxology. The psalmist breaks forth in praise, affirming God's unique ability to perform marvelous deeds, especially in establishing and sustaining righteous rule. These verses serve as a fitting capstone, calling for the entire earth to be filled with God's glory in anticipation of this promised, everlasting kingdom.
"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things." — This verse isn't just a closing praise; it's a declaration that the incredible future described in the psalm hinges on God's unique, unparalleled power. It highlights that no human ruler, not even So…
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Last reviewed October 2026