Psalms 72:18 Commentary

Verse: "Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things."

This verse encapsulates a profound acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the majestic work He accomplishes in the world. The psalmist extols God's greatness, illustrating the importance of recognizing and praising Him for His divine acts.

Introduction to Psalms 72

Psalms 72 is traditionally attributed to Solomon, and its primary focus is on the ideal king, a picture of Messiah. It reflects themes of justice, righteousness, and the expansive blessings during the reign of a righteous ruler. In this context, verse 18 serves as a powerful doxology, focusing on God's power to do wondrous things.

Theological Themes

• The Exalted Nature of God: Matthew Henry emphasizes that this verse points us to the unique nature of God, who does wondrous things beyond the capacity of human achievement.
• The Blessings of God: Albert Barnes notes that acknowledging the blessings and works of God evokes gratitude and reverence, calling believers to a posture of worship and recognition of divine favor.
• Divine Sovereignty: Adam Clarke discusses how this verse highlights God's complete authority over creation and His intimate involvement in the details of human history.

Verse Analysis

“Blessed be the Lord God”: The invocation of blessing to God is an act of which believers are continually encouraged. In a world filled with uncertainty, praising God fortifies faith. It denotes happiness bestowed upon God, a responsive joy of the creature toward the Creator. The concept of blessing here speaks to the reciprocal relationship between God and His people.

“the God of Israel”: This title signifies a special covenantal relationship, underscoring God's commitment to His chosen people. As the God of Israel, He is not only the highest authority but also the protector and provider for His people, further establishing the importance of this relationship in understanding His wondrous deeds.

“who only doeth wondrous things”: The exclusivity of God's actions is emphasized; He is the sole architect of miracles, wonders, and awe-inspiring phenomena. Matthew Henry reminds us that the wonders God performs are numerous and diverse, encompassing creation, salvation, and providential care throughout history. Furthermore, the wording reflects the singular dedication of God to Himself and His glory, which serves as the ultimate end of all He does.

Practical Applications for Believers

• Encouragement in Trials: Recognizing the wondrous acts of God serves as a source of encouragement amid life's challenges. When believers reflect on God's past provisions and miraculous interventions, their faith is strengthened.
• Gratitude and Worship: The call to bless the Lord is also a reminder to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Regularly recalling God's wondrous works can inspire an ongoing attitude of worship in the life of the believer.
• Proclamation of God's Glory: Believers are urged to proclaim God's wondrous deeds. Sharing testimonies of God’s goodness presents opportunities for evangelism and edification among the community.

Conclusion

In summary, Psalms 72:18 invites readers into a deeper understanding of who God is—the God who does wondrous things for His people. This verse calls for a response of praise and worship, grounding believers in the reality of God's continual engagement in their lives. By reflecting on God’s acts throughout history and in personal experience, pastors, students, theologians, and scholars are encouraged to proclaim His goodness and share the transformative nature of faith in Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the psalmist’s vision of a righteous king.