Psalm 72:18

Psalm 72:18, in plain English

Now the focus shifts to God Himself—blessed be the God of Israel, who alone does impossible, miraculous things that only He can accomplish.

Why it's here

The psalm has been praying about the king, but now it pivots to give all credit to God. This is crucial—the king is wonderful, but only because God makes him so. God is the source of all miracles and true power. The people are being reminded: trust God ultimately, not any human ruler.

Who's speaking

The community's voice, now offering blessing and praise to God.

Where it sits in the story

This is the corrective that Scripture always includes: don't make an idol of your king or leader. God alone is supreme. Jesus Himself constantly redirected praise from Himself to the Father, living out this exact principle.

The scholarly reading

The psalmist pauses the petition to offer benediction to God himself—the one who alone accomplishes marvelous deeds and deserves all glory.

Language and setting

This doxological interruption (Blessed be the LORD) transitions from petitionary to declarative praise, shifting focus from what we ask of the king to what we recognize about God. The phrase 'God of Israel' reaffirms covenantal particularity while 'who alone does marvelous deeds' (פְלָאוֹת, pelaot—wonders, miracles) reserves ultimate agency for God rather than the human king. This theologically corrects any tendency to overinvest political hope in human rulers.

Voice

The psalmist's voice becomes explicitly liturgical and doxological—functioning as priest or temple musician offering communal praise.

Significance

This doxological turn reflects the Psalter's consistent theological priority: all human authority derives from and serves God's redemptive purposes. It prevents idolatry of political structures and anchors hope in divine action rather than human competence.

16May there be an abundance of grain in the land; may it sway atop the hills. May its fruit trees flourish like the forests of Lebanon, the people of its cities like the grass of the field.

17May his name endure forever; may his name continue as long as the sun shines. In him may all nations be blessed; may they call him blessed.

18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.

19And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen.

20Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.

Read all of Psalm 72 — A prayer for Solomon that reaches past Solomon. This king will defend the poor, crush the oppressor, and rule from sea to sea.