Psalm 72:18-19
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The emphasis on "alone" highlights that God is the singular source of all truly marvelous acts. This isn't just about acknowledging His power, but recognizing that no other power, human or otherwise, can achieve what He does, setting Him apart as the ultimate wonder-worker.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm, which foretells the glorious reign of Solomon and points even further to the Messiah, concludes with a profound doxology. The psalmist erupts in praise to God for the promised blessings under this just king, recognizing that such wonders could only come from the Lord alone. These final verses serve as a fitting capstone, a resounding affirmation of faith in God's power and faithfulness.
This psalm ends with a powerful declaration about God. It's not just any blessing; it's a specific one tied to the 'God of Israel'. What does that tell us?
The phrase 'the God of Israel' highlights God's covenant relationship with His people. He didn't just reveal Himself generally; He chose a specific nation, Israel, to reveal His character and plan. This sets Him apart from all other gods.
The verse emphatically states God 'alone does wondrous things.' What does this exclusivity mean for our understanding of miracles and God's power?
The word 'alone' is crucial here. It points to God's singular ability to perform true wonders – actions that defy natural explanation and reveal His divine power.
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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.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The manifested presence, splendor, majesty, and brilliance of God's character and nature. It refers to the radiance that accompanies the revelation of who God is.
amen · Hebrew Adverb/Interjection
A term of affirmation used to confirm the truth of a statement or the sincerity of a prayer, meaning 'truly,' 'certainly,' or 'so be it.' It expresses trust and agreement with God's word.
This psalm, likely reflecting on the golden age of Solomon's reign, ends with a doxology that echoes through Israel's history, finding its deepest meaning in God's singular power to bring about redemption and universal blessing, especially through the Messiah.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Reign of King Solomon
The psalm is traditionally attributed to Solomon, or at least written during his golden age, celebrating his wisdom, justice, and the prosperity of Israel under his rule.
c. 975 BC
David's Death
The closing verses (18-19) and the concluding phrase (v. 20) suggest the psalm may have been finalized or prayed by David on his deathbed, looking forward to Solomon's reign.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united monarchy fractured into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, impacting the 'God of Israel' in future worship and prophecy.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the 'lost tribes' and a significant shift in the religious and political landscape for the remaining people of God.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Southern Kingdom of Judah fell to the Babylonian Empire, resulting in the destruction of the Temple and the Babylonian Exile, a period of profound spiritual reflection for the people of Israel.
c. 1st Century AD
New Testament Era
The psalm's themes of a righteous king and universal blessing are often interpreted by early Christians as pointing to Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 72:18, highlighting God's unparalleled might and wonder in the context of His people's deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing His uniqueness in performing 'wondrous deeds'.
Isaiah 25:1This verse directly references God's 'wonderful works' and 'counsels of old,' drawing a clear parallel to the praise offered in Psalm 72:18 for His consistent and marvelous acts throughout history.
Jeremiah 32:17This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of God's omnipotence, with the prophet declaring, 'Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you!' This resonates with the idea that God alone does wondrous things, as stated in Psalm 72:18.
Acts 2:22Peter's sermon points to Jesus as 'a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs,' directly linking Jesus' ministry to the concept of wondrous deeds performed by God, thus fulfilling the praise in 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].
The emphasis on "alone" highlights that God is the singular source of all truly marvelous acts. This isn't just about acknowledging His power, but recognizing that no other power, human or otherwise, can achieve what He does, setting Him apart as the ultimate wonder-worker.
This psalm, which foretells the glorious reign of Solomon and points even further to the Messiah, concludes with a profound doxology. The psalmist erupts in praise to God for the promised blessings under this just king, recognizing that such wonders could only come from the Lord alone. These final verses serve as a fitting capstone, a resounding affirmation of faith in God's power and faithfulness.
This psalm, which foretells the glorious reign of Solomon and points even further to the Messiah, concludes with a profound doxology. The psalmist erupts in praise to God for the promised blessings under this just king, recognizing that such wonders could only come from the Lord alone. These final verses serve as a fitting capstone, a resounding affirmation of faith in God's power and faithfulness.
"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!" — The emphasis on "alone" highlights that God is the singular source of all truly marvelous acts. This isn't just about acknowledging His power, but recognizing that no other power, human or otherwise,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
