Psalms 136:4 – “to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 136:4 praises God as the One who performs great wonders, and it emphasizes that He alone is capable of such marvelous deeds. The psalmist is calling believers to recognize that God is unique; there is no one else who can match His power, wisdom, and creativity. The “great wonders” mentioned here encompass God’s miracles, acts of creation, and the ways He intervenes in human history for the good of His people. But what makes God’s wonders even more incredible is that they are motivated by His enduring love. This verse reminds us that every great act of God is rooted in His love for us, which is constant and never fails.
Historical Context
The psalmist wrote these words in a time when surrounding cultures worshipped a multitude of gods, attributing different miracles and wonders to various deities. However, this psalm firmly declares that the God of Israel is the only true God who performs real wonders. For the Israelites, these “great wonders” would have included their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and God’s provision for them in the wilderness. By highlighting that God alone does these wonders, the psalmist is reminding the people that it was not by their own strength or by any other god that they were saved, but by the hand of the one true God.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that God is not just powerful; He is also intimately involved in the world He created. The fact that God “alone” does great wonders underscores His unique sovereignty and ability. No other power, no other god, can compare to Him. But these wonders are not merely displays of power for power’s sake; they reveal God’s character—specifically His steadfast love. The continuous refrain that “His love endures forever” assures us that God’s miraculous works are not sporadic or unpredictable. They flow from His consistent, loving nature, reminding us that God’s great acts are always for the benefit and well-being of His people.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 136 uses repetitive language to reinforce its message. The phrase “His love endures forever” is repeated in every verse, creating a rhythm that emphasizes God’s everlasting love as the foundation of all His actions. The word “wonders” in this verse refers to acts that are beyond human capability, things that inspire awe and point to God’s divine intervention. By pairing the acknowledgment of God’s wonders with the statement of His enduring love, the psalmist is using a poetic technique to show that God’s power is always exercised with a loving purpose.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 15:11 – “Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
- Psalm 72:18 – “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.”
- Job 9:10 – “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”
- Jeremiah 32:17 – “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 136:4 is a reminder that God is still in the business of doing great wonders. We might not always see dramatic miracles like parting seas or manna falling from heaven, but God continues to work wonders in our lives in ways that are both big and small. It may be in the form of answered prayers, unexpected provision, or a changed heart. Understanding that these wonders are expressions of His enduring love encourages us to be on the lookout for God’s hand in our everyday lives. It also calls us to trust in God’s ability to intervene when we are faced with challenges.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse ties God’s miraculous power directly to His love. The wonders He performs are not for show or to simply prove a point. Instead, they are expressions of His deep love for His people. God’s love is the motivation behind every miracle and every act of deliverance. The fact that His love endures forever assures us that God’s care for us is never-ending. He is always working for our good, even in ways we might not immediately recognize. This verse invites us to trust in God’s goodness and to recognize that every act of His power is meant to draw us closer to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s great wonders. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus performing miracles—healing the sick, feeding thousands, raising the dead, and calming storms. These wonders were not just displays of power; they were signs pointing to God’s kingdom and His compassionate love for humanity. In John 2:11, we are told that Jesus’ miracles revealed His glory, and in John 20:31, we learn that these miracles were recorded so that we might believe in Him and have life. The greatest wonder of all is Jesus’ resurrection, which demonstrated God’s victory over sin and death, and the enduring love that offers eternal life to all who believe (Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:20).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Can you think of a time in your life when you witnessed God’s “great wonders”? How did that experience affect your faith?
- How does recognizing God as the only One who performs wonders change the way you pray or face challenges?
- What are some small “wonders” in your life that you might overlook but are signs of God’s love?
- How do the miracles of Jesus demonstrate God’s enduring love?
- How can reflecting on God’s wonders in the past help you trust Him more in the present?
Psalm 136:4 teaches us that God alone is the source of true miracles and wonders. These are not just past events but ongoing expressions of His loving care for us. As we give thanks for what God has done, we can find confidence in what He will continue to do, knowing that His love truly endures forever.