Psalms 2 - Printer Friendly

Psalm 2 is credited to David by the New Testament (Acts 4:25). The apostles applied this idea to the persecution of Jesus by Israel's religious leaders (Acts 4:27–28). This song expresses amazement that cultures and governments of earth would try to ignore God. The consequences of that will be dire. Instead, it is better to honor God and serve Him.

The opening lines of this psalm form a rhetorical question. The point is not to seek an answer, but to make a point. There seems no good reason why anyone, even kings and rulers, would try to defy God. The motivation of rebelling against God is selfishness and pride. This also comes with anger and hatred (1 Peter 4:3–4; John 15:18–19) (Psalm 2:1–3).

The fury of earthly people is not intimidating to God. In fact, His response to those who attempt to defy Him is laughter. The symbolism of God "laughing" implies His complete power and sovereignty. When a nation "rages," and God "laughs" in response, it suggests how outmatched sinful people are. Despite the angst of those who disobey, God will establish His rule, through Christ, just as He has promised (Psalm 2:4–6).

Part of this "royal psalm" includes references to the eventual rule of earth by the Messiah. This will not come to complete fulfillment until Jesus Christ returns and reigns for a thousand years (Revelation 19:11; 20:4). The imagery of this passage again emphasizes the absolute domination God will express against His enemies (Psalm 2:7–9).

David ends this psalm pleading with kings and rulers to make the wiser choice. In this context, "fear" refers to respect and submission, not to abject terror. To "rejoice with trembling" carries a similar idea: a reference to emotion and sincerity. In ancient culture, polite forms of a kiss were the equivalent of a modern hug or handshake. To "kiss the Son" implies giving due honor and respect to the Anointed One (John 6:28–29). Those who do so can be saved, while those who refuse will face the wrath of God (John 3:36). Those who rely on God will be called "blessed" (Psalm 2:10–12).

Psalm 2:1–6 portrays nations arrayed in military fashion against the Lord God and His anointed King. They have plotted to throw off the Lord's control. However, their scheme causes the Lord to laugh and to defeat their evil plan. He addresses them in His wrath and terrifies them in a display of His fury. After being released by the Sanhedrin, the Jews' ruling body in the first century, Peter and John returned to a gathering of believers and reported what had transpired. Together, the believers quoted Psalm 2:6 and applied it to the risen Son of God (Acts 4:23–30).

Psalm 2:7–9 records the words of God's Son, Israel's future King. They appropriately follow God's promise to establish His Son on the throne of David, and to deal with rebellious nations in His wrath and fury. Faced with King Jesus' victory over His foes, the psalmist's counsel to the rebels follows in verses 10–12. Revelation 19:11–15 describes the King's outpouring of God's wrath and fury on the rebel nations during the end times.

Psalm 2:10–12 closes the song by urging kings and rulers of the earth to make a wise decision. The psalmist counsels them to change their rebellious attitude and come to friendly terms with the Lord's anointed Son. Doing so will avert the Son's anger and avoid eternal punishment. Also, coming to friendly terms with God's Son will provide refuge and blessing. This conveys a message like that of John the Baptist. He urged everyone in Israel to repent in preparation for the arrival of Messiah and His kingdom (Matthew 3:1–3; John 1:8). Jesus invited those who heard Him to repent and believe on Him (Matthew 4:17; 11:28; Luke 5:32; 13:3, 34). He said no one can enter the kingdom without being born again (John 3:3). The apostles Peter and Paul, too, urged those who heard them preach to turn to Jesus for forgiveness (Acts 2:38–39; 17:30–31; Romans 10:1–13).

Psalm 2, written by King David (Acts 4:25), begins by questioning the nations' frenzied attempt to overthrow the Lord and His anointed King, Jesus. Godless cultures plot to rid themselves of divine authority. But trying to escape God's will is ridiculous. He will direct His wrath toward them and asserts He has established His King upon Mount Zion. God addresses His Son as His only begotten. This passage predicts the anointed King—the Messiah—will smash the rebellious nations to pieces with an iron rod. The psalmist urges the kings and rulers of the earth to submit to the Son's rule and come to friendly terms with Him. The psalm closes with the declaration that all who take refuge in the Lord's anointed King are blessed.

Psalm 2 is often labelled a royal psalm, because it refers to the King above all kings. This complements several other psalms: Psalms 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 89, 101, 110, 132, and 144. Acts 13:33 relates Psalm 2:7 to Jesus. Revelation 2:27, spoken by the risen Savior, relates Psalm 2:9 to His victory over the rebellious nations and His reign on earth. Revelation 19:19–21 describes when and how Jesus will defeat the nations that assemble to go to war against God's anointed Son.