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1 Why do the nations conspire[a]
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together against the LORD
and against his Anointed one, saying,
3 ‘Let us break their chains
and throw off their fetters.’
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 ‘I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.’
7 I will proclaim the LORD’s decree:
He said to me, ‘You are my son;
today I have become your father.
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8 Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will rule them with a iron sceptre[b];
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.’
10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
(NIV)
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Psalm 2: Those who are attracted to literary and official interpretations, view this psalm with Psalm one, that similar words and suggest that the two psalms form a double introduction into Psalms, They represent two ways of understanding Psalms, as teaching, and as Davidic or messianic. It is suggested that we look at the Psalm in its own right.
Writer O Palmer Robertson view that this psalm is the foundation introduction into the psalms. Please read his book ‘The Flow of the Psalms’. It is a fascinating read about how the psalms are placed.
This psalm is normally termed “royal” and has had a long history of messianic interpretation. It was thought that the psalm was for a coronation, or an anniversary. Although it has no title, it seems to present the impression of David’s hand. As such, it fluidly moves from the lesser David through the Davidic dynasty to the Greater David, Jesus Christ. The Psalm progressively shines its poetic spotlight on four vivid scenes relating to the mutiny of mankind against God.
(Scene 1) 1-3 Rebellion of the kings of earth
(Scene 2) 4-6 contrast the power of God and the king he has enthroned, as close to Him as a Son.
The thought from the Jews text that these words point to the coming Messiah.
(Scene 3) 7-9 God delegates authority to His Son and promises Him victory over His enemies.
(Scene 4) 10-12 Is a solemn warning to the hostile kings to submit to His Son.
(ending) 13 Ends with a blessing, that is believed to be added in later
This psalm was interpreted by the early Christians as a messianic prophecy and is quoted in
Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 1:5, 5:5 referring to Jesus. Older scholars connected it with recently ascended kings David, Solomon, or some other king.
Scene 1:- All who were not followers of God were thought of as heathen. At the time the Psalm was written, if you were not an Israelite, you were thought of as a heathen.
It is believed that the Psalm was speaking of some local problem, and down through the ages spoke of when the heathen would rage. Ungodly men and women have never had peace within them. Rage in the Psalm where ungodly people are believed to settle anything through fighting.
The Psalm recalls the way it will be just before the return of Jesus. Men's hearts failing them, for fear of things that are coming upon the earth. Jesus was presented to Herod and Pilate with the thought of killing Jesus, and today how many have gone totally against the teachings of Jesus in the Bible. How many countries today still in prison people for having faith in Jesus.
Scene 2: - Looks on God with human characteristics, who laughs at those trying to oppose Him. To think that a mere human being can come against the Father or His Son and win the fight is absurd. God does not even bother to try to straighten them out, He just laughs that they would be so foolish. To have them in ridicule, means He would laugh at their efforts to scorn. To reject Jesus (God's Son), seals your doom. This is one thing God will not forgive. We know that the soldiers which came to get Jesus fell backwards just at Jesus answering them. The power in the voice of God is beyond our understanding. The voice of God speaking to the children of Israel from the mountain, frightened them so that they begged Moses to talk to God for them. God was not even angry then. Think how unbelievably frightening the voice of God would be if He were angry. No power on earth can keep Him from doing what He wishes.
Scene 3: - The King sets out the divine proclamation which established him as God’s adopted son and promised him victory over his enemies. Just as the voice came from the heavens at Jesus' baptism, and said, “This is my beloved Son”, we see Jesus here as King. One of the reasons the Jews did not accept Jesus as Messiah, was because they were expecting a mighty warrior such as David, who would conquer their enemies for them., When Jesus comes back to the earth to reign for the 1000 years, will be that Lord and Master, the one that they were looking for and. His rule will be absolute. Those who do not do the will of God will be destroyed. just as the Potter who has the power to destroy His creation, if it is not pleasing unto Him. The tone of these verses are surprising. Instead of immediate judgment, the Lord and His Anointed mercifully provide an opportunity for repentance.
Scene 4:- As a coronation psalm, David shows God’s delegation of power on the chosen king. And if they don’t take His counsel, they’ll perish from their present course of life – their “way” as we have it here. It gives a solemn final warning to the hostile kings that they are to submit to God.
The closing benediction is thought to be added later, as an end to worship or ceremony.
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