Psalm 2
Notes
Transcript
text
1 Why do the nations rage 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:
3 “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
5 Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury:
6 “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”
7 I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.
8 Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.
9 You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery.”
10 Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
General observations:
Written by David (Acts 4:25)
25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
Referring to Jesus Christ, not to David himself (see Acts 4:25-28 and Acts 13:32-33)
Fulfilled in Jesus Christ in His first and second comings (already/not yet tension)
Four sections:
Human Opposition to Divine Authority (1-3)
The nations and their kings, the peoples and their rulers oppose the rule of God and His anointed King. Their plans to overthrow God’s government are vain and cannot succeed.
God’s Triumph over Human Opposition through the Messiah (4-6)
These mockers (see 1:1) are now mocked by God and terrified by His display of power. Despite their efforts to oppose Him, God has installed His King on Zion (Jerusalem). There are biblical reasons to see this as a present spiritual reality (Heb. 12:22) and also a future physical reality in which believers will participate.
God Rule over the Nations through the Messiah (7-9)
The Messiah is God’s Son - the true Adam, the true Israel, the true David. His rule as the Davidic King will be under the authority of God the Father, over all nations (not just Israel), and characterized by justice and absolute authority over all, including His enemies.
Nations Called to Repent in Light of Messiah’s Judgment (10-12)
Therefore, it would be wise for the nations and their kings to submit to the one who is their rightful King. Rather than opposing His authority or seeking independence from Him, they ought to joyfully serve and worship Him with fear and trembling, paying homage to God’s Son, the King. Destruction awaits His enemies who refuse to repent, but everlasting happiness awaits all who trust Him and submit to Him as the true King.
What does this Psalm say about God (His character, works, & promises)?
He has chosen Someone to be His King
He mocks the mockers
He is angry & furious with human pride and opposition
He has a Son
He is powerful
He is worthy of worship and service and honor
What does it say about people (identity & actions)?
People in general (and especially the powerful) oppose God and His purposes.
Human opposition is no match for God’s infinite power (Proverbs 21:30: There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.)
All people are under the authority of God’s Messiah
We can either oppose the Messiah and perish or trust Him and be blessed.
What emotions or feelings are expressed?
Rage / anger / fury / wrath (v. 1, 5, 11, 12)
Fear / trembling (v. 11)
Joy / happiness (v. 11, 12)
Is there a Theme or Key Verse that stands out to you?
v. 6: “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” - God’s sovereign choice to rule the world through the Messiah.
v. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. - Two possible responses to the Messiah with their corresponding consequences.
What comparisons or contrasts do you notice?
Human anger vs. God’s anger
Human authority vs. God’s authority
What other observations do you have?
.
Applications: In what ways do I need to change based on the truth God reveals here?
(Desires / Feelings, Thinking, Speaking, or Acting)
Recognize our tendency to oppose God
Repent of opposition to His revealed will and submit to Christ as King
Stand in awe of His power, justice, and wrath
Trust Him, take refuge in Him
Call others to turn from their proud opposition and submit to Christ as King.
What prayers can we make based on this Psalm?
Confession - Lord, I confess that I often oppose your rule over my life by making decisions without considering your will and purposes. Please forgive me for my pride and resistance to your authority in my life.
Praise - God, I praise you for your awesome power that you have displayed and will display in your Son.
Thanks - Lord, thank you for your gracious provision of salvation through faith in your anointed King, Jesus Christ.
Petition - Lord, please help me to submit my life more and more to the authority of Jesus Christ, to honor Him, serve Him, and trust Him as He deserves. Please work in the lives of my family and friends to bring them into a glad submission to Jesus Christ as well.
