Psalms 72:18 Meaning Explained

Q: What does Psalms 72:18 mean?

The verse emphasizes that God alone performs wondrous deeds. This isn't just about great miracles, but also highlights that any good thing we experience, especially through a just ruler, ultimately flows from God's unique power, setting Him apart from all human endeavors.

The verse emphasizes that God alone performs wondrous deeds. This isn't just about great miracles, but also highlights that any good thing we experience, especially through a just ruler, ultimately flows from God's unique power, setting Him apart from all human endeavors.

What Psalms 72:18 means

This psalm, a prayer for Solomon's reign and a vision of a greater king to come, concludes with a powerful liturgical expression of praise. David, assured by divine revelation of the enduring blessings and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, offers this doxology as the culmination of his petitions. The verses that follow are often seen as a separate concluding statement, highlighting the eternal nature of God's glorious name and the hope for its universal recognition.

Understand the original words

Original language

LORDיְהוָה

YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun

The divine personal name of God, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, eternity, and covenant faithfulness to His people.

wondrous thingsפֶּלֶא

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.

Historical context

Written: Likely during the reign of Solomon, around 970-931 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Solomon, though likely a collection of psalms with some, like Psalm 72, specifically for or about him.
Location: Jerusalem
Genre: Royal psalm (a psalm written for or concerning a king) with a concluding doxology (an expression of praise); features rich imagery and prophetic elements.

Cross-references

Exodus 15:11

This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 72:18 by asking 'Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?' This highlights God's unique power and the awe-inspiring nature of His actions.

Isaiah 25:1

This verse declares, 'O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for you have done wonders, and your plans formed of old are faithfulness and truth.' It connects praising God for His wondrous deeds with His faithful, long-standing plans, mirroring the concluding praise of Psalm 72.

Psalm 86:10

This verse directly parallels the idea of God's uniqueness in His acts: 'For you are great and do wondrous deeds; you alone are God.' It emphasizes that God's greatness is intrinsically tied to His wondrous, singular actions.

Jeremiah 32:17

Here, the prophet exclaims, 'Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.' This powerfully reinforces the concept that God's wondrous deeds, like creation, are a testament to His unlimited power.

Scholarly commentary

Psalms 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.
poole

Psalms 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].
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Frequently asked questions

What does Psalms 72:18 mean?

The verse emphasizes that God alone performs wondrous deeds. This isn't just about great miracles, but also highlights that any good thing we experience, especially through a just ruler, ultimately flows from God's unique power, setting Him apart from all human endeavors.

Explain the meaning of Psalms 72:18

This psalm, a prayer for Solomon's reign and a vision of a greater king to come, concludes with a powerful liturgical expression of praise. David, assured by divine revelation of the enduring blessings and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, offers this doxology as the culmination of his petitions. The verses that follow are often seen as a separate concluding statement, highlighting the eternal nature of God's glorious name and the hope for its universal recognition.

Breakdown of Psalms 72:18

"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things." — The verse emphasizes that God alone performs wondrous deeds. This isn't just about great miracles, but also highlights that any good thing we experience, especially through a just ruler, ultimately…

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