What is the meaning of Psalm 136:4? He alone does great wonders The psalmist begins by spotlighting the uniqueness of God—“He alone.” No other being can rival His power or creativity. Scripture consistently reinforces this exclusivity: • Psalm 72:18 declares, “Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.” • Isaiah 42:8 reminds us, “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another.” • Jeremiah 32:17 marvels, “Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!” A quick survey of some of His “great wonders” helps us feel the weight of the claim: – Creation of all things from nothing (Genesis 1:1). – Parting the Red Sea so His people could walk on dry ground (Exodus 14:21). – Sustaining Israel with manna in a desert (Exodus 16:4). – Toppling Jericho’s walls without traditional weapons (Joshua 6:20). – Shutting lions’ mouths for Daniel (Daniel 6:22). – Raising Jesus from the dead, “declared to be the Son of God in power” (Romans 1:4). Every miracle in Scripture—and every providence in our own lives—testifies that the Lord alone does what no one else can. The only fitting response is awe-filled worship and confidence in His unmatched ability to act on our behalf (Ephesians 3:20). His loving devotion endures forever Power without love could terrify us, but the psalmist immediately pairs God’s wonders with His unwavering affection. “Loving devotion” speaks of covenant commitment, kindness, and mercy that never expire: • Exodus 34:6 introduces the LORD as “abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.” • Psalm 103:17 reassures, “But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him.” • Lamentations 3:22–23 notes, “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” • Romans 8:38–39 proclaims that nothing in all creation “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What does it mean that this devotion “endures forever”? – It is eternal: He will never withdraw it (Malachi 3:6). – It is steadfast: no circumstance can shake it (James 1:17). – It is personal: it rests on “those who fear Him,” extending to each believer individually (John 10:27–29). – It is proven: the cross is the ultimate demonstration—“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son” (John 3:16). Because His love lasts forever, we can rest securely today, tomorrow, and into eternity. Even His judgments are expressions of a holy love that seeks our good and His glory (Hebrews 12:6). summary Psalm 136:4 invites us to celebrate two inseparable truths: the LORD alone performs astonishing wonders, and the same God binds Himself to us with a love that will never wear out. His matchless power means He is able; His enduring devotion means He is willing. Together they call us to wholehearted worship, confident trust, and joyful obedience—today and forever. |
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