But when he does, what a day that will be! 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'. Text: Explanation: This the first of several psalms about the Messiah. But most of it. Psalm 24 Commentary Verse 9. However, the line also provides a fitting conclusion to Psalm 2 on its own. They’re conspiring. Commentary on Psalm 2:7-9 (Read Psalm 2:7-9) The kingdom of the Messiah is founded upon an eternal decree of God the Father. Two “ethnic groups.”. We know that God is love. Psalm 2:7 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Psalm 2:7, NIV: "I will proclaim the LORD's decree: He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have become your father." But he is angry at them. That’s verses 7 through 9. At any rate, it’s a royal psalm. 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. They’re imagining a vain thing. And what are these kings pictured as doing? But for now, I’ll leave us with those verses to remind us that Jesus the Christ is the last and greatest of the Davidic kings. The first psalm presents the perfect man, the happy man. These people are resisting and conspiring against none other than the Lord God of Hosts! He’s even in the Old Testament looking for worshippers who would worship in spirit and truth. Last thing we’ll consider before we work at explaining this psalm is the implied situation. 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. Psalm 2:7, ESV: "I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you." He alone has full power of sovereignty. Now, this word translated as “rulers” (RZN) appears 6 times in the Old Testament. But his speech is not gentle and peaceful – not to these hardened enemies of his. To draw near to the Davidic king and to submit themselves to him – just like all of Egypt did to Joseph, except for Pharaoh of course. What do they want to do? The rebellion of individuals and nations against his plans and people don’t sit well with him. Christ works through you for me and others!! And why are they not happy? The psalm itself doesn’t explicitly tell us whether it’s speaking of David or one of his descendants. KJV Psalm 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? It’s blessed – Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Verses 1 – 3: Though all the good kings of Israel were messiahs (God's kings) it is really about Jesus the Messiah. Heavenly Father, thank You that You purposed to redeem mankind, through the sacrifice of a Kinsman-Redeemer - and decreed that the eternal Son of God would be born into the human race as the perfect Son of Man. Acts 4:24–26 in the New Testament attributes it to David. Psalm 2 - Why are the nations so angry? Verse 6. Psalm 2 is the renowned second part to the introduction of the Psalter (with Psalm 1). "The violence of the world, brought on by the hubris of the nations, will continue. Well, what is the object of their meditation? It doesn’t matter what the angry nations say – God’s determined to have his king rule in Jerusalem. What is it like to submit to God’s rule? External Opposition to God’s Work and the Response of God’s People in Nehemiah 2. His anger will be a vexation to them; if he but speak to them in his wrath, even the breath of his mouth will be their confusion, slaughter, and consumption, Isa. Does that fit with our conception of who God is? 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. So, I believe that this kind of a situation is what provoked the psalmist to write this psalm. The kings of the earth rise upand the rulers band togetheragainst the Lord and against his anointed, sayin Commentary, Psalm 2, Cameron Howard, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011. Attend unto me, and hear me] Heb. Like in Genesis 25:23 where the Lord tells Rebekah that two PEOPLES would be separated from her body – the Edomites and the Israelites. But most of that area was inhabited by other nations. Unbelief is a sin against the remedy. Jesus may surely have used Psalm 1 and 2 as an outline in Matthew 5-7, esp. To begin, we’re directed to think about the “kings of the earth.” Their identity is pretty obvious. The second section runs from verse 4 trough verse 9. This is where we’re given the reaction of the Lord to this international uprising against his reign. And now in verse 2, we’ve gone from speaking of larger groups of people like “heathen” and “people” to more specific individuals, smaller groups, subsets of those larger groups. In fact, Paul says in Acts 13:33 that the statement that God makes to David about begetting him actually also applies to Christ being raised from the dead. Wow – remember the question that Pastor Fuller sought to answer in his sermon last Sunday? And Israel certainly occupied a portion of that land. If the king’s anger is kindled just a little – it doesn’t require much provocation in light of their past and even present rebellion. 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. So, which one is it here? Well, it’s hard to easily tell because this word is used only here as a verb. God didn’t “begotten” David; He only referenced that to His Son, Jesus. It will lead inevitably to destruction. Interesting. 7:13,21-23,26-27. That’s verses 10 through 12. But you might not know it. But that’s just what the kings of the earth are attempting to do here. And he’s coming to rescue Israel from their assailants. We’ve seen this before, but the word “wrath” really can mean “nostril”. Rather, flee to him and find protection and safety and blessing. Why? Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. In Acts 4:25-26 he repeated Psalm 2: 3. And so that’s the last section of this psalm. And then in Acts 4:25-28 applies the first section of Psalm 2 (verses 1 through 3) to Christ’s crucifixion. God rules. They’re counseled to “be wise” or to gain insight, to pay close attention, to be sensible about the matter – in light of the threatenings! I’ve enjoyed the few commentaries I’ve read of yours, however, I have to say I disagree with this one. He will speak to them in his wrath. To welcome Jesus Christ, and to submit to him, is our wisdom and interest. Acts 13:33 even references this chapter when God made reference to Jesus. If they do, they will find joy. Verses 2–3 specify this futility: the kings of the earth reject Messiah’s right to rule. Ver. Psalm 2 – The Reign of the LORD’s Anointed. Verse 3. Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? Who is this anointed one? That’s what that word “vex” means. I wish I had the time to explore how the New Testament uses the Old. In response, God gives the nations the cosmic raspberry and ridicules their pride, claiming that he has set his king on Zion (verses 5–6). And every single one of us deserves his mocking and scorn. © 2021 Christianity.com. Yeah, the clay vessel loses. The first Psalm was a contrast between the righteous man and the sinner; the second Psalm is a contrast between the tumultuous disobedience of the ungodly world and the sure exaltation of the righteous … And that’s just what we saw in that book when we studied through it. Can you imagine the futility of this kind of behavior? But actually, Peter in Acts chapter 4 and verse 25 reveals that it was in fact David who wrote this psalm. Because God promised them that land. 2:8. That very God has determined to set his king on his holy hill of Zion and to destroy all opposition. I do believe this is speaking of Jesus but I can’t deny that it originally spoke of David. He laughs and mocks. New! Psalm 1 emphasizes God’s Law while Psalm 2 focuses on prophesy. And so, he laughs at and mocks them. Well, what does “raging” look like anyway? Blessed will those be in the day of wrath, who, by trusting in Christ, have made him their Refuge. So, that’s God response to international rebellion against him. I thank God for you! This is the right reaction of sinners in the presence of a holy and sovereign God. In fact, this kind of universal upheaval against God’s plans regarding Israel is something that’s contemplated in Psalm 2. Now we’re not speaking of the “heathen” anymore. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts. And later on we’ll briefly explore those passages that speak of Christ from Psalm 2. Video Devotions on Psalm Two Rage, verses 1-4. And remember the title of the message? And so, God reacts to this international rebellion. Now, let me quickly address where Psalm 2 appears in the New Testament. Again, these may be the same people as the ones identified as “kings”. And his inheritance as such a subject includes being given these raging heathen and even the ends of the earth as his possession, if he but asks for them. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. The judges – or the ones who are supposed to administer justice in a society – are also addressed. But for now, let’s get into the details of Psalm 2. The accusations of oppression. Psalm 1 begins with a beatitude and Psalm 2 ends. So, that’s what I’ll entitle this message. Who knows the power of his anger? And we can only assume that their purpose is evil. 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, Luke 7:38. Kings should act prudently and with discretion. The word translated as “set” here appears in Joshua 1:5. Fantastic. I’m so thankful to hear of the extended reach of this message. He is supremely patient and loving. Their rebellion won’t do that. And he’s not alone. Well, what is Psalm 2 about? What Psalm 2 means. Christ! In other words, it’s a psalm about the king of Israel – the ruler who either was David himself or one who descended from David. Now, what are these ethnic groups doing anyway? This our Lord Jesus often referred to, as what he governed himself by. That’s the picture. Why do they waste their time with futile plans? God also commands them to serve him with fear or reverence. He scarcely needs to lift his hand, he has only to speak; and when Jehovah speaks in wrath, his words are thunderbolts. “Be wise … be instructed” are favorite words in wisdom literature. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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 word “people” is in parallel with the word “heathen”. The psalm itself doesn’t explicitly tell us whether it’s speaking of David or one of his descendants. So, God is declaring that David is a faithful subject of his. Makes me bonkers. And when it’s quoted in the New Testament it’s not talking about David or Solomon. 1 and 2 juxtapose each other; Ps. He wants to dwell a little while longer on the developing rebellion of these groups and individuals. Thereby, Psalm 1— Psalm 2 … He’s sitting somewhere. Look at the next line. And therefore, “people” or “ethnic groups” would be closely related to that concept. Read Psalm 24 9 Meaning. Psalms, Volume 2 (The NIV Application Commentary) - Kindle edition by Tucker, W. Dennis, Grant, Jamie A.. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. You the man and why is this hard to find????? Thanks, Don. "The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us." So, we’ll read the first section again – verses 1 through 3. We are told what they aim at in this opposition. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. (7-9) Counsel to all, to espouse its interests. There are numerous psalms which had immediate reference to David but have their ultimate fulfillment in David’s son, Jesus Christ. Psalm 2:1–6. Serving the Lord will! Kings rule. Like a son, the faithful subject received an "inheritance," viewed as an unconditional, eternal gift. But what are they conspiring to do here in Psalm 2? If you didn’t, I can understand. He points out that HE is the one who appointed this king against whom they’re rebelling. But it’s vain to try to get away from the God who holds your very life in his hands. Iron was viewed as the strongest element to the Jews of the Old Testament. In other words, it’s a psalm about the king of Israel – the ruler who either was David himself or one who descended from David. My King, verses 5-7. Psalms 2:5. These kings are – furthermore – to kiss (NSHQ) the son. God could have left it at heated angry rebuke with these rebels. Verses 1 through 3 tell us about this near-universal rejection of the Lord and the king whom he’s anointed to rule his nation Israel – the Davidic ruler. Even as God wreaks havoc on those who oppose him, God provides a refuge for those who serve him." The truths and precepts of Christianity are against ambitious projects and worldly lusts. And he does so through his anointed Davidic king. So, the non-Jewish nations and the kings who rule over them are gathering together. Isn’t this last line a perfect expression of that? The psalm itself does not identify its author, but Acts 4:25-26 clearly attributes it to David. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Psalms, Volume 2 (The NIV Application Commentary). The kings of these nations are addressed directly again. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, What approach to making money will increase it according to Proverbs 13 11? He laughs. God will frighten them. David is going to recount for us what God had told him. I believe this psalm is referencing the battle of man wanting to get rid of God’s power over him and this is an imperative warning to the nations that Jesus is King. But this word can also refer to an ethnic group or groups. They’re “resisting”! 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. All Rights Reserved. No, not at all. . They’re simply world rulers. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Well, what are these rulers up to? But the rulers of the earth generally have been most active. Alright – let’s move on to the second line of verse 1. It announces God's sovereignty. A number of positions in ancient Israel involved being anointed physically – kings being one such group. These bands or restrictions are viewed by these nations as oppressive. I found your commentary easy reading and useful for a study I am doing for a Life Group discussion. And finally he speaks. But the rulers of the earth generally have been most active. So, I believe this is speaking of the Davidic king – David, in particular. Let’s read. David and his son Solomon ruled over much of the land that God originally promised to Abraham. And it’s exactly what we see happening in this psalm. This is what God said:-Psalms 2:6. Here in Psalm 2, he’s viewed as sitting high above everyone and everything – certainly above these puny riotous nations. How does one rage? I thank God for you….Christ works through you for me and others!! More Devotions on Psalm 2 Rage: Psalm 2:1-4 My King: Psalm 2:5-7 Ask: Psalm 2:8-11 Kiss the Son: Psalm 2:12. Here it is: Submit to God’s Rule. Psalm 2:1, KJV: "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" And he’s pictured as frightening them in his sore displeasure. But obviously their standing is charged with rebellion. Unfortunately, not God’s word. Non-Jewish people. Based on God’s reaction to this international uprising against his authority, the psalmist gives some advice to those doing the uprising. And from his vantage point where he sees and knows everything perfectly, he takes an action that can seem a little odd to us. They’re given the label “the heathen”. The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that Christ executes the office of king by “subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies” (Q&A 26). As the foregoing psalm was moral, and showed us our duty, so this is evangelical, and shows us our Saviour. God the Father gives them to him, when, by his Spirit and grace, he works upon them to submit to the Lord Jesus. a 2 Kings on earth rise up. wow thanks much . Praise the Lord. You did know it was an election for ISRAEL’S Prime Minister, didn’t you? Psalm 2 is twice as long, consisting of four stanzas and 12 verses. Where is it recorded that he received that authority? And he hasn’t even begun to reign in Jerusalem. The structure of Psalm 2 is made of three parts. The decree he gave – or his statute or rule. Submit to God’s Rule. They’re resisting and conspiring against God and his earthly representative. Revelation 12:5 relates the vision of the woman Israel bearing the child Christ who would rule the nations with a rod of iron. If you were listening, I think you’d have to conclude that the land belongs to the nation of Israel. Verse 2. Psalm 2 is the second psalm of the Book of Psalms, generally known in English by its first verse, in the King James Version, "Why do the heathen rage".In Latin, it is known as "Quare fremuerunt gentes".Psalm 2 does not identify its author with a superscription. Earth - So called in way of contempt and to shew their madness in opposing the God of heaven. But went straight through history etc. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Well, that’s where verse 9 informs us of what God means. The thing that bothers them the most is Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent rejection of the idea of dividing the land of Israel up in order to make a separate Palestinian state within Israel’s borders. and princes plot together. This repetition, no doubt, is to emphasize what’s being said and heighten the excitement surrounding the entering of the Ark into Jerusalem. So, it’s safe to say that these two titles of “kings” and “rulers” are likely speaking of the same group. Anointed - Against the king whom God hath chosen and exalted. Now, this may sound a little strange to us. But he’s also gracious and not willing for any to perish. That’s the first section. And finally we have the last section in verses 10 through 12. Psalm 2:11 "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." A. I think what called for the writing of this psalm in its original setting was something like this. There’s widespread rebellion against this king. Now, I’ll also add that this psalm is referenced several times in the New Testament. Your email address will not be published. We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. They want to break the bands of David and his God. You know – you may have wondered if inheriting these heathen was actually a blessing or maybe more of punishment for the Davidic king. That’s the closeness of God’s relationship with David. But the context of Psalm 2 is anything but neutral. (2.) Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Ask, verses 8-11. So, these non-Jews are gathering together as a group. Set - The word denotes the combination of their counsels and forces. And – you know – the animosity of evil people so often is not directed at God alone. Even the peoples of Israel were involved in it. Such gifts usually took the form of land and/or an enduring dynasty.”. As a word made us, so a word can unmake us again. We’re actually told how God reacts. (lacking the usual introductory phrase), which led some sages to think that Psalm 1 and 2 comprise a single unit. It says, “The idiom reflects ancient Near Eastern adoption language associated with covenants of grant, by which a lord would reward a faithful subject by elevating him to special status, referred to as "sonship." It’s futile. He’s coming with the armies of heaven. Oh, the chafing. They’re plotting and scheming and hatching something in their minds. What happens when you gather wealth by labor according to Proverbs 13 11? Comments Have your say about what … And it simply means non-Jewish people. In its noun form it simply has to do with gathering as a group. It’s God’s counsel to the rebellious nations. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Well, the concept of anointing is basically having oil poured on you. I believe this is talking about Jesus, not David. Let’s look at verse 1. Who are these raging people? This begins with reverencing God and submitting to His authority. Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;. Threatenings against the enemies of Christ's kingdom. Isn’t that the way your own flesh feels about them? the Lord derides them, d 5 Then he speaks to them in his anger, Previous ones ignore the history and writer’s situation and jump straight to spiritualized christian applications. What happens when an iron rod meets a clay vessel? And so they’d make attempts to rebel against the Davidic king and throw off his rule from over them. Kings should administer justice. This is nothing new to our day and age. But that’s not the end of his reaction to this rebellion. He tells us there that Herod … Does he find their rebellion humorous? and the peoples conspire in vain? And I don’t think I’m exaggerating to say that most of the media – and even our own president and other world leaders – weren’t happy about who won. I think Psalm 2:9 is in view. David and his successors were to break the rebellion of these Gentile nations. It reminds me of the book of Revelation where Christ comes back on a white horse. 1 Why do the nations protest. Psalm 2 begins with a question: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (verse 1). Psalm 2 provides critical background for understanding both what it means and what it meant to recognize Jesus as messiah (i.e., the Christ) and Lord. answer me, that is, grant me deliverance from this death which threateneth me.This is his sense, as appeareth by the sequel; though at present he could not instance, but only beggeth audience. The word “imagine” is one that you’ve seen before in the psalms. Psalm 1 consists of two stanzas and six verses. KJV Psalm 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. It will come to nothing. The Son of God, spoken of in Psalm 2:7; the word used is so rendered in Proverbs 31:2; and comes from another which signifies to "choose", and to "purify", or "to be pure"; hence some render it "the elect" or "chosen One", or "the pure One" (k); and both agree with Christ, who is God's elect, chosen to be the Redeemer and Saviour of his people, and who is pure free from sin, original and actual. This passage is without any doubt whatever a reference to Almighty God … They thought themselves in the way; but neglecting Christ, they perish from it. And therefore – submit to that rule. That’s the way to picture God’s stance towards these enemies. and cast off their chains from us!” c 4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs;. They’re meditating and scheming. Psalm 2:10 "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth." Isn’t that the way that lost people tend to view God’s rules? He will conquer the hearts of His elect, drawing them all to Himself. There, David is saying that his enemies are doing this very thing – conspiring – and their intent is actually to take his life. against the LORD and against his anointed one: * b. 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. Most Psalms begin with a brief introductory phrase such as: "To the chief musician," "A song of David," etc., but Psalm 2 begins with the words, "Why do the nations rage?" And sometimes those kings and the nations they were leading opposed their being ruled over by an Israelite king. 2 is the LORD's contemptive response to the derisive nations (the kings of which THINK they rule) that the Messiah is the true king of all creation. But that’s just one aspect of his response. And the rulers – this same group – are taking counsel together. Which seems rather neutral of a term. The Lord, the Master, Adonai – he will have them in derision. 11:4; 2 Th. And yet, everyone is up-in-arms about them solely living in that land. Hebrews 1:5 and 5:5 make it clear that God made the statement in Psalm 2:7 – “thou art my son, today have I begotten thee” – to Christ, the ultimate Davidic king. The last line of Psalm 2, “Happy are all who take refuge in him,” echoes the initial words of Psalm 1, “Happy are those….” This repetition brackets Psalms 1 and 2 together, and the unit serves to introduce the book of Psalms as a whole. And that phrase “have in derision” simply means that he’s going to mock them. It’s often directed at his human representatives. The other way in which God is portrayed as responding is actually not to the nations, but to his Davidic king. ExplainingTheBook.com. He’s angry. Now, based on that pretty forceful response from the Lord, what are these rebellious nations to do? It’s talking about one of their descendants, according to the flesh. 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. And yet, the ponderous part of it is that the assailants of Israel actually face Christ and are ready to fight him! This is the way it’s been since the fall. The kings are resisting. And that king reigns from Zion – or Jerusalem. All those who run to him for refuge as you would run to a large rock that could provide protection from a raging storm. This our Lord Jesus often referred to, as what he governed himself by. And God will see to it that that’s the case. Not all of it, I think. Required fields are marked *. The kingdom of the Messiah is founded upon an eternal decree of God the Father. “Whose is the Land?” What’s God’s answer? They can hope for no success in so opposing so powerful a kingdom. The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. That’s the word behind “set” in verse 2. Revelation 2:27 has Christ telling the overcomers at Thyatira that they will rule – though not BREAK, the nations with a rod of iron – JUST LIKE CHRIST RECEIVED THAT KIND OF AUTHORITY FROM HIS FATHER. Again, “heathen” are simply non-Jews. Learn how your comment data is processed. Well, how would you feel if you knew that people were reacting this way toward your attempted leadership of them? to New Testament apps. He speaks, and it is done; he speaks in wrath, and sinners are undone. But that’s just what the enemies will do in the end times. Because we can’t even hope to understand how the New Testament is using this psalm unless we actually know what it meant to its original author as delivered to its original audience. Thank You that He took the punishment for our sins, so that by faith in Him, we also might be adopted into Your family and become sons of the living God. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 2:1-6 We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. Oh, the complaints. And that angry reaction will cause them some terror. That’s this word. You may have heard the Hebrew word goy or goyim. Like many psalms, the theme of Psalm 2 is emphasized in the final verse. Our national media doesn’t give that much coverage to most elections for our own congressmen or governors!