Psalm 136:4

He alone does great wonders. His loving devotion endures forever.

Study Bible

He alone
The phrase "He alone" emphasizes the exclusivity and sovereignty of God. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "לְבַדּוֹ" (levaddo), which underscores that God is singular in His ability to perform the miraculous. This exclusivity is a central tenet of monotheism, distinguishing the God of Israel from the pantheon of gods worshiped by surrounding nations. Historically, this assertion would have been a powerful declaration against polytheism, affirming that Yahweh is the one true God who acts independently and without the need for assistance.

does great wonders
The Hebrew word for "wonders" is "נִפְלָאוֹת" (nifla'ot), which refers to acts that inspire awe and are beyond human capability. These wonders are not merely natural phenomena but are divine interventions that reveal God's power and majesty. Throughout the Old Testament, God's wonders include the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness. These acts serve as tangible evidence of God's active presence and His ability to transcend the natural order. The historical context of these wonders would have reinforced the Israelites' faith, reminding them of God's past faithfulness and His ongoing involvement in their lives.

His loving devotion
The term "loving devotion" is translated from the Hebrew word "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which is a rich and multifaceted concept in the Hebrew Bible. It encompasses love, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness. Chesed is a covenantal term, reflecting God's steadfast love and loyalty to His people. It is not merely an emotional feeling but a committed action that God consistently demonstrates. This loving devotion is foundational to the relationship between God and Israel, as it assures the people of His unwavering commitment to them despite their failures and shortcomings.

endures forever
The phrase "endures forever" is derived from the Hebrew "לְעוֹלָם" (le'olam), meaning eternal or everlasting. This emphasizes the perpetual nature of God's chesed. Unlike human love, which can be fickle and conditional, God's loving devotion is eternal and unchanging. This assurance of God's everlasting love would have been a source of comfort and hope for the Israelites, especially during times of exile and hardship. It is a reminder that God's promises are not limited by time and that His faithfulness extends beyond the present circumstances into eternity. This eternal perspective encourages believers to trust in God's unchanging nature and His ultimate plan for redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The central figure in this verse, recognized as the one who performs great wonders. His actions are a testament to His divine power and sovereignty.

2. Israel
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 136 is a recounting of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel, highlighting His enduring love and faithfulness to His chosen people.

3. Creation
The wonders mentioned can be seen as encompassing the acts of creation, where God alone brought the universe into existence, showcasing His unmatched power and wisdom.

Teaching Points

God's Unique Power
Recognize that God alone is the source of all true wonders. In a world filled with distractions and false claims of power, we must remember that only God can perform true miracles.

Enduring Love
Reflect on the phrase "His loving devotion endures forever." God's wonders are not just displays of power but are rooted in His steadfast love for His people. This should encourage us to trust in His faithfulness.

Worship and Gratitude
Our response to God's wonders should be one of worship and gratitude. Acknowledge His works in your life and give thanks for His continuous presence and intervention.

Faith in God's Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty, remember that the God who performs great wonders is in control. This should bolster our faith and give us peace, knowing that He is capable of handling any situation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does recognizing God as the one who "alone does great wonders" influence your understanding of His sovereignty in your life?

2. In what ways can you see God's "loving devotion" enduring in your personal experiences or in the history of your community or nation?

3. How can the wonders of creation, as described in Genesis 1, inspire a deeper sense of awe and worship in your daily life?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed a "great wonder" from God. How did it impact your faith and relationship with Him?

5. How can you apply the truth of God's enduring love and power to a current challenge or decision you are facing? Consider connecting this to the assurance found in Romans 8:28.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1
The creation account demonstrates God's ability to perform great wonders, as He alone spoke the universe into existence.

Exodus 15
The song of Moses celebrates God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt, illustrating His power to perform wonders.

Psalm 77:14
This verse also speaks of God performing wonders, reinforcing the theme of His miraculous deeds throughout history.

John 1:3
This New Testament passage affirms that all things were made through God, connecting to the idea of His wondrous works in creation.