That very God has determined to set his king on his holy hill of Zion and to destroy all opposition. the Lord derides them, d 5 Then he speaks to them in his anger, 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'. What is the alternative to “wealth gotten by vanity” in Proverbs 13 11. 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. 11:4; 2 Th. That’s parallelism. Thereby, Psalm 1— Psalm 2 … The kings of the earth rise upand the rulers band togetheragainst the Lord and against his anointed, sayin And why are they not happy? The first psalm presents the perfect man, the happy man. Does he find their rebellion humorous? But that’s just what the kings of the earth are attempting to do here. Alright – let’s move on to the second line of verse 1. Unfortunately, not God’s word. These people are resisting and conspiring against none other than the Lord God of Hosts! 7:13,21-23,26-27. And that’s just what we saw in that book when we studied through it. The other way in which God is portrayed as responding is actually not to the nations, but to his Davidic king. These nations are hardened against him. But the context of Psalm 2 is anything but neutral. So, I believe this is speaking of the Davidic king – David, in particular. We know that God is love. Praying through Psalm 2:7 . That’s what that word “vex” means. Now, this word is used in Psalm 31. Verse 3. That’s the word behind “set” in verse 2. Why do they waste their time with futile plans? It’s talking about one of their descendants, according to the flesh. Submit to God’s Rule. The rage of nations and the laugh of God. Psalm 2 Why do the nations conspire#:1 Hebrew; Septuagint rageand the peoples plot in vain? God rules. Let’s read verses 4 through 9. Well, the concept of anointing is basically having oil poured on you. And so, God reacts to this international rebellion. A number of positions in ancient Israel involved being anointed physically – kings being one such group. And later on we’ll briefly explore those passages that speak of Christ from Psalm 2. I’m so thankful to hear of the extended reach of this message. 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. This is where we’re given the reaction of the Lord to this international uprising against his reign. 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. In Psalm 1 the theme is the contrast between the righteous and the wicked person; in Psalm 2 the theme is the contrast between the rebellion of wicked rulers and nations and the rule of God’s righteous Messiah. And it will be truly said then as it is now and has been forever – “Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.”. 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. And Revelation 19:15 again speaks of Christ ruling the nations with a rod of iron. Who is this anointed one? I thank God for you! 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. Anointed - Against the king whom God hath chosen and exalted. Lamah rageshu goyim - Why do the nations (goyim) rage? God also commands them to serve him with fear or reverence. 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." Your email address will not be published. There’s widespread rebellion against this king. Well, what are these rulers up to? It’s often directed at his human representatives. 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. But, what’s their plan? Video Devotions on Psalm Two Rage, verses 1-4. 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. To welcome Jesus Christ, and to submit to him, is our wisdom and interest. We’re actually told how God reacts. What do they want to do? How does one rage? The judges – or the ones who are supposed to administer justice in a society – are also addressed. God the Father gives them to him, when, by his Spirit and grace, he works upon them to submit to the Lord Jesus. In fact, this kind of universal upheaval against God’s plans regarding Israel is something that’s contemplated in Psalm 2. Psalm 2 – The Reign of the LORD’s Anointed. John Trapp Complete Commentary. And that angry reaction will cause them some terror. And God will see to it that that’s the case. You did know it was an election for ISRAEL’S Prime Minister, didn’t you? It permeates all of the psalm. Psalm 2:10 "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth." Fantastic. I’ve enjoyed the few commentaries I’ve read of yours, however, I have to say I disagree with this one. We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. 1. Read Psalm 24 9 Meaning. And in that case, it’s not just the Gentile nations that rose up and rebelled against God’s plans and his anointed one – or his Christ. Psalms 55:2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;. 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. 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. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Earth - So called in way of contempt and to shew their madness in opposing the God of heaven. What does this mean? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. (1-6) Promise to Christ as the Head of this kingdom. You can’t beat that kind of army. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. a 2 Kings on earth rise up. And if they don’t take this counsel, they’ll perish from their present course of life – their “way” as we have it here. Psalm 2 is twice as long, consisting of four stanzas and 12 verses. Well, what does “raging” look like anyway? If you didn’t, I can understand. So, it’s safe to say that these two titles of “kings” and “rulers” are likely speaking of the same group. The word “people” is in parallel with the word “heathen”. No, not at all. Well, that’s where verse 9 informs us of what God means. 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). Psalm 2:1 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Psalm 2:1, NIV: "Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?" The Lord scoffs at them. It’s actually the same word that’s translated as “meditate” and is what the blessed man of Psalm 1 was pictured as doing. That’s verses 7 through 9. 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. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. That’s where God promised Joshua that no one would be able to STAND before him – there’s that word. They’re conspiring. Psalm 1 begins with a beatitude and Psalm 2 ends. Revelation 12:5 relates the vision of the woman Israel bearing the child Christ who would rule the nations with a rod of iron. The structure of Psalm 2 is made of three parts. So, the non-Jewish nations and the kings who rule over them are gathering together. They’re standing. These ethnic groups are also meditating. And – seeing as they have no need of such restrictions – they’d be happy to cast them aside. If you were listening, I think you’d have to conclude that the land belongs to the nation of Israel. Why? You may have heard the Hebrew word goy or goyim. As the foregoing psalm was moral, and showed us our duty, so this is evangelical, and shows us our Saviour. Wow – remember the question that Pastor Fuller sought to answer in his sermon last Sunday? So in other words, all sorts of non-Jews and the ethnic groups which they comprise are in view here. And there’s a way to rejoice while worshipping and serving the Lord in fear – that also includes trembling. Last thing we’ll consider before we work at explaining this psalm is the implied situation. 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. We’re first of all told of God’s physical position. He will speak to them in his wrath. We’re speaking of the “people”. Thanks, Don. Previous ones ignore the history and writer’s situation and jump straight to spiritualized christian applications. 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. But that’s just one aspect of his response. The surrounding nations are opposing his rule over them. Psalm 2:7, ESV: "I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you." "How blessed are all who take refuge in Him" The last line of Psalm 2 links to the first line of Psalm 1, possibly a literary technique called inclusio. 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. They’re given the label “the heathen”. This our Lord Jesus often referred to, as what he governed himself by. 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. 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. It will lead inevitably to destruction. You could also say Gentiles. In others words, they’re plotting and scheming and yet all of that activity is just useless. It announces God's sovereignty. And – you know – the animosity of evil people so often is not directed at God alone. God could have left it at heated angry rebuke with these rebels. 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. Psalm 2 is the renowned second part to the introduction of the Psalter (with Psalm 1). © 2021 Christianity.com. And it simply means non-Jewish people. So, God is declaring that David is a faithful subject of his. God will frighten them. These bands or restrictions are viewed by these nations as oppressive. Which seems rather neutral of a term. But can we also let him be as tough as he reveals himself to be? (7-9) Counsel to all, to espouse its interests. "The violence of the world, brought on by the hubris of the nations, will continue. Now, the NET Bible has a helpful note on this matter as well. Verse 2. Christ is the way; take heed lest ye be cut off from Him as your way to God. Well, world-wide anger towards God and his national representative, Israel, is not something new. Both Pss. 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. I believe it’s speaking of ethnic groups or nations. It’s blessed – Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. And he hasn’t even begun to reign in Jerusalem. Where is it recorded that he received that authority? Here in Psalm 2, he’s viewed as sitting high above everyone and everything – certainly above these puny riotous nations. They need to be broken asunder like Samson did with some of those ropes that Delilah put on him. It’s God’s counsel to the rebellious nations. What is it like to submit to God’s rule? The accusations of oppression. Isn’t this last line a perfect expression of that? And he’s coming to rescue Israel from their assailants. Psalm 2 Commentary: Genre Psalm 2 is considered to be a royal psalm. He’s sitting somewhere. The Lord, the Master, Adonai – he will have them in derision. Now, there appears to be another group of individuals in view in verse 2. And yet, everyone is up-in-arms about them solely living in that land. And it really won’t take too much. Then we see repetition in verses 9 and 10 that mirrors verses 7 and 8. And he’s pictured as frightening them in his sore displeasure. And therefore, “people” or “ethnic groups” would be closely related to that concept. He alone has full power of sovereignty. Christ works through you for me and others!! He wants to dwell a little while longer on the developing rebellion of these groups and individuals. And Israel certainly occupied a portion of that land. This is nothing new to our day and age. The Lord said to him that David is his son. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. The people over whom the king of Israel ruled were trying to break away from him. The idea is that as someone gets angry, sometimes his nostrils will flare and perhaps even get a little red. Now, this word translated as “rulers” (RZN) appears 6 times in the Old Testament. and cast off their chains from us!” c 4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs;. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. But when he does, what a day that will be! 2:3: And cast - The same thing expressed with more emphasis. 2:2: The kings - Herod, and Pilate and others with or after them. And so, he laughs at and mocks them. And he’s not alone. and the peoples conspire in vain? Again, “heathen” are simply non-Jews. . It doesn’t matter what the angry nations say – God’s determined to have his king rule in Jerusalem. But you might not know it. They’re plotting and scheming and hatching something in their minds. God didn’t “begotten” David; He only referenced that to His Son, Jesus. And we can only assume that their purpose is evil. Psalm 2:11 "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." But his speech is not gentle and peaceful – not to these hardened enemies of his. They’re “resisting”! 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. By the way, isn’t this wonderful? "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." The kings are resisting. Now, based on that pretty forceful response from the Lord, what are these rebellious nations to do? And from his vantage point where he sees and knows everything perfectly, he takes an action that can seem a little odd to us. Again, these may be the same people as the ones identified as “kings”. And the nations are pictured as being clay vessels. So, that’s God response to international rebellion against him. Verses 2–3 specify this futility: the kings of the earth reject Messiah’s right to rule. He will conquer the hearts of His elect, drawing them all to Himself. The second section runs from verse 4 trough verse 9. 2:8. 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. There are these “rulers”. When David and Solomon ruled Israel they reigned over those other nations and their kings. He responds to the nations in anger and assures them that he is in control. It reminds me of the book of Revelation where Christ comes back on a white horse. Well, keep in mind that when God made the Davidic Covenant with David he told him that David’s sons would be like sons to the Lord. All those who run to him for refuge as you would run to a large rock that could provide protection from a raging storm. 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. And yet, the ponderous part of it is that the assailants of Israel actually face Christ and are ready to fight him! 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