Psalms 72:18
Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
Original Language Analysis
בָּר֤וּךְ׀
Blessed
H1288
בָּר֤וּךְ׀
Blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
יְהוָ֣ה
be the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
be the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עֹשֵׂ֖ה
who only doeth
H6213
עֹשֵׂ֖ה
who only doeth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Psalms 41:13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.Psalms 106:48Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.Psalms 86:10For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.1 Chronicles 29:10Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.Psalms 136:4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?Psalms 77:14Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.Psalms 68:35O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.1 Chronicles 29:20And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.Job 5:9Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
Historical Context
Israel's history was marked by divine wonders—plagues, Red Sea crossing, manna, conquest victories. These validated Yahweh as the true God against competing deities, demonstrating His exclusive power.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'wondrous things' has God done in your life that only He could accomplish?
- How does acknowledging God 'only' does wonders guard against crediting human achievement or false spirituality?
- What is the greatest wonder God has performed, and how does this shape your worship?
Analysis & Commentary
The doxology 'Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel' praises Yahweh specifically as Israel's covenant God. 'Who only doeth wondrous things' affirms that genuine miracles come from God alone, not human power or false gods. This exclusive claim—'only'—asserts monotheism and God's unique ability to accomplish the impossible. The wonders include both creation and redemption, climaxing in Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection—the greatest wonders of all.