Psalm 2 - Bible Study

Psalm 2 KJV 1900

1 Why do the heathen rage, And the people imagine a vain thing? 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. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: The Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, And I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, And ye perish from the way, When his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Introduction

The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes Spurgeon on Psalms

God permitted David to go through many experiences, not so much for himself as for the good of succeeding generations. Whenever we look into David’s psalms, we may somewhere or other see ourselves. I never get into a corner but I find David in that corner. I think I was never so low that I could not find that David was lower, and I never climbed so high that I could not find that David was up above me, ready to sing his song upon his stringed instrument, even as I could sing mine.

Contrast between Psalm 1 & Psalm 2

Psalm 1 - Personal / focus law & Psalm 2 - national / focus on prophecy

Psalm 1 - Jesus perfect man & Psalm 2 - Jesus king of kings

Psalm 1 - blessing of the Jew & Psalm 2 - Judgement of Gentile nations

1) Verses 1-3

The voice of rebellion

“Rage” = to assemble tumultuously”

Gentiles in view

They are rebelling against God and His sovereign rule.

A voice of rebellion has been heard through the centuries. However, it is heard in GREATER magnitude in these last days.

God divided up the Gentile people into their lands:

Gen. 10:50; Acts 17:26; Deut. 32:8

History has shown to us that Gentile powers have rejected God’s people.

History shows that the Gentile nations have rejected God’s people (Israel), God’s Word, and God’s Christ. The nations do not want to submit to God’s rule. Like proud Nebuchadnezzar, they want their own way, and they refuse to admit that God rules in the affairs of men. See Dan. 4:28–37. Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Ps 2:1–3). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

This rebellion continued on to the establishing of the first century church. (Acts 4:23-30)

This rebellion will have a completed fulfillment when they unite to fight against God. (Rev. 19:11-21)

2) Verses 4-6

How do you think God responds to the threats of men?

He laughs!

God is FAR GREATER than the attacks of proud men.

For now, God is not speaking in wrathful judgment, but in Calvary grace.

However, God will get the LAST LAUGH - Psalm 37:1-2

“Displeasure” = fiery anger

NOT NOW

It will be a time of awful judgment upon the land and sea, the heavens, the world of nature, and people and nations. Millions of people will die in plagues and heaven-sent disasters. During the tribulation period, the nation of Israel will be “purged” to prepare a believing remnant for the return of Christ to establish His kingdom from Jerusalem. Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Ps 2:4–6). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Notice God’s declaration in verse 6

This is speaking of Jesus Christ!

Dan. 7:13-14

He is currently seated on the right hand of the Father operating as a “priest-king”

ONE DAY, He will sit upon the throne to judge and rule the nations.

3) Verses 7-9

God has spoken to His Son of His eternal decree.

WHAT A BLESSING! No man can thwart the fulfillment of His plan nor hinder God working.

“You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” When did the Father say this to the Son? Not when He was born into the world, but when He came out of the tomb. Read Acts 13:28–33 carefully. Christ was “begotten” from the virgin tomb into a glorious life of resurrection power. Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Ps 2:7–9). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Other refs: Hebrews 1:5; 5:5; Rev. 1:5

Remember, Satan offered these nations to Jesus but He refused.

It was impossible for Jesus to sin, but the temptation was REAL!

Satan will one day offer these to the Antichrist (Rev. 13)

So, when will Jesus receive the “uttermost parts of the earth?”

When he returns with power and glory!

Rev. 12:5; 19:15-16

4) Verses 10-12

We are hearing an appeal from God’s Spirit for men to submit to Jesus. Notice the areas of submission:

The Mind (v10)

We live in a world where there is more knowledge than ever before.

There seems to be very little wisdom!!!

God’s wisdom is found in God’s Word, yet the kings and rulers do not want the Word of God. Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Ps 2:10–12). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

The Heart (v11)

A reverential joy is what will result from yielding to Christ. Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Ps 2:10–12). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

The Will (v12)

“Kiss the Son” = homage to Him

loving surrender

love and reconciliation.

Psalm 85:10 (KJV 1900) — 10 Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.  

Because of Calvary, God is able to uphold His holy law while at the same time grant forgiveness to repentant sinners.

A lost sinner should not desire to be on the wrong side of even a SMALL portion of God’s WRATH!

Conclusion

The Psalmist closes with an imperative beatitude...