Psalm 72 18

Psalm 72:18 kjv

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

Psalm 72:18 nkjv

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things!

Psalm 72:18 niv

Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.

Psalm 72:18 esv

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.

Psalm 72:18 nlt

Praise the LORD God, the God of Israel,
who alone does such wonderful things.

Psalm 72 verses

Psalm 72 18 Meaning

Psalm 72:18 proclaims a doxology, blessing the Lord God, specifically identified as the God of Israel. It exalts Him as the sole doer of wondrous things, emphasizing His unique power, majesty, and action in creation and redemption, setting Him apart from all false deities.

Psalm 72 18 Context

Psalm 72 is a royal psalm, traditionally associated with Solomon, but it extends beyond a specific king to envision a perfect, righteous ruler whose reign brings justice, prosperity, and peace to the earth. It is steeped in prayer and prophecy, initially seeking blessings for a human king to fulfill God's purposes for justice and care for the needy. However, the scope of the psalm broadens significantly, transcending human monarchy to ultimately point to a universal and eternal reign, fulfilled completely in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Verse 18 marks the closing doxology of the second book of the Psalms (Psalms 42–72), serving as a powerful concluding benediction. It shifts the focus from the righteous king and his blessings back to the source of all blessing, God Himself, who alone orchestrates such wonders and establishes such a reign. Historically, it affirms the unique identity of Israel's God in a polytheistic world.

Word Analysis

• Blessed be (בָּרוּךְ - Baruch): This is not a human bestowing good upon God, but an acknowledgment and declaration of God's inherent blessedness, majesty, and worthiness of praise. It expresses worship and adoration for who God is and what He does. It means "praised," "exalted," "honored."
• the Lord God (יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים - Yahweh Elohim): "Yahweh" is God's personal covenant name, revealing His unchanging, self-existent, and relational nature, particularly with Israel. "Elohim" is the general Hebrew term for God, denoting His supreme power, creativity, and authority as the sovereign ruler of the universe. The combination emphasizes His covenant faithfulness alongside His universal power.
• the God of Israel (אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - Elohei Yisrael): This specific title highlights God's unique and historical relationship with the nation of Israel, established through covenants (Abraham, Moses). It grounds the universal praise in the specific acts of redemption and revelation He performed for His chosen people, marking them out among all nations. It is an exclusive and particular identifier for the true God amidst other deities.
• who alone (לְבַדּוֹ - l'baddō): This adverb emphasizes exclusivity and uniqueness. It unequivocally states that no other god, power, or entity can perform what the Lord God does. It is a powerful monotheistic assertion, directly refuting the polytheism and idolatry prevalent in the ancient world, affirming God's solitary claim to divine activity and supremacy.
• does wondrous things (עֹשֵׂה נִפְלָאוֹת - osēh niphla'ôt): "Wondrous things" (niphla'ot) refers to extraordinary, miraculous, or astonishing acts that defy natural explanation. These are God's supernatural interventions, His mighty deeds, such as creation (Psa 19), the Exodus (Exo 15), delivering His people (Psa 78), providing salvation (Psa 98), and revealing His plans (Dan 2). These "wonders" demonstrate His immense power, wisdom, and benevolence.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "Blessed be the Lord God": A common doxological formula in the Psalms and Old Testament, setting a tone of worship and humble adoration, acknowledging divine sovereignty and majesty.
  • "the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things": This phrase links God's covenant identity with His unique omnipotence, creating a powerful statement that the God known personally by Israel is the only One capable of true, magnificent, and miraculous acts. It draws a clear line of distinction between Yahweh and all other deities, validating Israel's exclusive devotion.

Psalm 72 18 Commentary

Psalm 72:18 serves as a majestic crescendo, not only for the psalm itself but also for the entire second book of the Psalter. It transitions from focusing on the earthly king to celebrating the divine King, God Himself, who is the ultimate source and doer of all good. This verse profoundly asserts God's singularity: He is the only God worthy of praise, and the only One who accomplishes deeds that are truly miraculous and beyond human or created power. These "wondrous things" encompass creation, the redemption of Israel, the unfolding of salvation history, and ultimately, the establishment of His righteous kingdom through the Messiah. It underscores that all genuine blessings, peace, and justice ultimately flow from God's unique and benevolent actions.

Bonus Section

• Doxological Ending: This verse, along with verse 19, functions as a formal doxology concluding Book Two of the Psalms. The Psalter is traditionally divided into five books, each concluding with a doxology (Psa 41:13; 72:18–19; 89:52; 106:48; 150). This structural element reinforces the central theme of God's universal praise and dominion.
• From Royal Prayer to Divine Worship: The movement from human aspiration (for a just king) to divine glorification (of the wondrous God) demonstrates that all earthly authority and blessing ultimately derive from and point to God's supreme authority and grace. The ideal earthly king mirrors the ultimate reign of God.
• Theology of Divine Action: The emphasis on "does wondrous things" points to a God who is active and involved in history, not a distant or apathetic deity. His actions are not arbitrary but purposeful, aiming towards His redemptive plan and universal glory.