The Bible: Psalms Chapter 2: with Audio and Commentary.

Version: World English Bible.

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Psalms Chapter 2

1 Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed, saying,

3 "Let's break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us."

4 He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.

5 Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath:

6 "Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion."

7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my son. Today I have become your father.

8 Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

10 Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Footnotes

Verse 2 (Anointed)
The word "Anointed" is the same as the word for "Messiah" or "Christ"
Verse 4 (Lord)
The word translated "Lord" is "Adonai."
Verse 12 (Give sincere homage to the Son)
or, Kiss the son

Version: World English Bible


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Psalms Chapter 2 Guide

This is the psalm of Jehovah's King. It is impossible to fix the event for which it was written and to which it first referred. The wider application is perfectly patent. To whatsoever king the words first applied, the singer was looking to the ideal King, and his song has found fulfilment in Christ. It is very interesting to notice how this psalm is interwoven with the thinking of the New Testament. To study it carefully, we must, first of all, discover the speakers in each case.

The psalmist opens with a description of the nations in opposition to Jehovah and His King. This is given in the form of a question why they are in such attitude. He then proceeds to declare the Lord's contempt for them, and in verse Psalms 2:6 Jehovah is the Speaker, announcing that, notwithstanding all their opposition, He has appointed His King. The next section (Psalms 2:7-9) gives us the words of the anointed King, who declares the decree of His Kingship. The Son of Jehovah is to receive dominion from His Father and exercise it to subjugate all these opposing forces. The order of procedure is indicated, "inheritance," "possession," "administration." The psalm ends with an appeal to the kings and judges to show their wisdom by submitting themselves to Jehovah's King.

From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.


Psalms Chapter 2 Commentary

Chapter Outline

  1. Threatenings against the enemies of Christ's kingdom. -- (1-6)
  2. Promise to Christ as the Head of this kingdom. -- (7-9)
  3. Counsel to all, to espouse its interests. -- (10-12)

Verses 1-6

We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. As this world is the kingdom of Satan, unconverted men, of every rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the cause of God. But the rulers of the earth generally have been most active. The truths and precepts of Christianity are against ambitious projects and worldly lusts. We are told what they aim at in this opposition. They would break asunder the bands of conscience, and the cords of God's commandments; they will not receive, but cast them away as far as they can. These enemies can show no good cause for opposing so just and holy a government, which, if received by all, would bring a heaven upon earth. They can hope for no success in so opposing so powerful a kingdom. The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and in earth, and is Head over all things to the church, notwithstanding the restless endeavours of his enemies. Christ's throne is set up in his church, that is, in the hearts of all believers.

Verses 7-9

The kingdom of the Messiah is founded upon an eternal decree of God the Father. This our Lord Jesus often referred to, as what he governed himself by. God hath said unto him, Thou art my Son, and it becomes each of us to say to him, Thou art my Lord, my Sovereign'. The Son, in asking the heathen for his inheritance, desires their happiness in him; so that he pleads for them, ever lives to do so, and is able to save to the uttermost, and he shall have multitudes of willing, loyal subjects, among them. Christians are the possession of the Lord Jesus; they are to him for a name and a praise. God the Father gives them to him, when, by his Spirit and grace, he works upon them to submit to the Lord Jesus.

Verses 10-12

Whatever we rejoice in, in this world, it must always be with trembling, because of the uncertainty of all things in it. To welcome Jesus Christ, and to submit to him, is our wisdom and interest. Let him be very dear and precious; love him above all, love him in sincerity, love him much, as she did, to whom much was forgiven, and, in token of it, kissed his feet, Lu 7:38. And with a kiss of loyalty take this yoke upon you, and give up yourselves to be governed by his laws, disposed of by his providence, and entirely devoted to his cause. Unbelief is a sin against the remedy. It will be utter destruction to yourselves; lest ye perish in the way of your sins, and from the way of your vain hopes; lest your way perish, lest you prove to have missed the way of happiness. Christ is the way; take heed lest ye be cut off from Him as your way to God. They thought themselves in the way; but neglecting Christ, they perish from it. Blessed will those be in the day of wrath, who, by trusting in Christ, have made him their Refuge.

From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.