Psalm 2

Psalm 2:1–12 NKJV

Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ” Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary Psalm 2

This psalm is familiar to students of the New Testament by virtue of its relevance for Christ. However, the passage was a royal psalm in the Old Testament and therefore was used by the Davidic kings. (Other royal psalms are 18, 20–21, 45, 72, 89, 101, 110, 132, 144.) Its contents describe a celebration at the coronation despite opposition by rebellious people in surrounding territories. In a word, the psalmist exhorted the pagan nations to abandon their rebellious plans against the Lord and His anointed king and to submit to the authority of the Son whom God has ordained to rule the nations with a rod of iron.

A. Heather rage v.1

B. Acts of disobedience. V. 2-3

The rebellion was against God, Messiah, and by default David.

מָשִׁיחַ Messiah

C. God judges v.4-5

D. God sets His Son as king v. 6

E. The Son Quotes God v. 7

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 2:7

2:7. The psalmist now spoke of God’s affirmation of the king to show by what right the king rules. The decree refers to the Davidic Covenant in which God declared that He would be Father to the king, and the king would be His son. So when David became king, God described their affiliation as a Father-son relationship. So the expression “son” took on the meaning of a messianic title.

2 Samuel 7:14 NKJV

I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.

F. The Son judges. v.8-9

G. The heathen learn v. 10

H. The heathen obey v.11-12