Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm and in a way expands on the idea of the previous psalm. The author of the psalm is not mentioned in the text, however scholars feel that the style of the psalm shows that it was written by David. Where Psalm 1 talked about being blessed in an individual sense, psalm 2 takes the same idea to a broader scale talking about nations and not individuals.
1. Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?
This is a rhetorical question meaning that people plotting against God is useless as it will ultimately end only in failure.
2,3. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, let us burst their bonds apart and cast their cords from us.
This is an apt description of what is going on in the world today. The leaders or kings of the earth are coming together to change the way people look at morality. Biblical morality is seen as a yoke that no can bear and they want to cast it off, not knowing that these are borders put in place by God for human well being. The use of the word anointed refers to David in the more immediate sense, but ultimately it refers to the Messiah.
4. He who sits in heaven laughs, the Lord holds them in derision.
This silly rebellion by weak men is not a threat to God or His Kingdom, in fact it only makes God laugh at the foolishness of men who think they are wise.
5,6. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury saying, "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill"
After witnessing the rebellion by men, God has proclaimed that whatever they do they cannot stop Him from setting His King on Zion, Jerusalem's most prominent hill. The word King here again refers to David and the Messiah at the same time. In the end, the Lord's anointed one, Israel's true King will reign and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. This is final, no amount of conspiracy or planning can change this decree.
7. I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
Also read 2 Samuel 7:8-16
The reference above is about the covenant that God made with David. If you read it carefully, you will see that the covenant is an unconditional covenant and was ultimately meant to bring the Messiah to the scene. The Son referred to in the verse is undoubtedly Jesus Christ, but it was told to David. This might be confusing, but when you think of it David was only an image of the greater David who is Jesus Christ.
8. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse sheds light on its true meaning.
The Son must ask. This supposes his putting himself voluntarily into a state of inferiority to the Father, by taking upon him the human nature; for, as God, he was equal in power and glory with the Father and had nothing to ask,
1. Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?
This is a rhetorical question meaning that people plotting against God is useless as it will ultimately end only in failure.
2,3. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, let us burst their bonds apart and cast their cords from us.
This is an apt description of what is going on in the world today. The leaders or kings of the earth are coming together to change the way people look at morality. Biblical morality is seen as a yoke that no can bear and they want to cast it off, not knowing that these are borders put in place by God for human well being. The use of the word anointed refers to David in the more immediate sense, but ultimately it refers to the Messiah.
4. He who sits in heaven laughs, the Lord holds them in derision.
This silly rebellion by weak men is not a threat to God or His Kingdom, in fact it only makes God laugh at the foolishness of men who think they are wise.
5,6. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury saying, "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill"
After witnessing the rebellion by men, God has proclaimed that whatever they do they cannot stop Him from setting His King on Zion, Jerusalem's most prominent hill. The word King here again refers to David and the Messiah at the same time. In the end, the Lord's anointed one, Israel's true King will reign and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. This is final, no amount of conspiracy or planning can change this decree.
7. I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
Also read 2 Samuel 7:8-16
The reference above is about the covenant that God made with David. If you read it carefully, you will see that the covenant is an unconditional covenant and was ultimately meant to bring the Messiah to the scene. The Son referred to in the verse is undoubtedly Jesus Christ, but it was told to David. This might be confusing, but when you think of it David was only an image of the greater David who is Jesus Christ.
8. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse sheds light on its true meaning.
The Son must ask. This supposes his putting himself voluntarily into a state of inferiority to the Father, by taking upon him the human nature; for, as God, he was equal in power and glory with the Father and had nothing to ask,
9. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potters vessel.
Again this is a continuation of the divine decree. The imagery here shows the impending judgement that is to come on the entire world even on the rulers of the world.
10,11. Now therefore, O kings, be wise, be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
This is the ideal reaction that must come from the rulers of the earth that conspire against God after realizing that God's decree is final. They are asked to be wise, that is to see their folly and turn from it. They are also given the privilege to serve the Lord with fear and rejoicing.
12. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
Kissing the Son, means pledging alliance to Jesus the King. Those who do not pledge alliance to the King of kings will surely perish in the way of History. Those who on the other hand do swear allegiance to the King are blessed as they have taken refuge in Him. These He will make part of His church, the body of Christ on earth.
Psalm 3 tomorrow :)
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