Psalm 2: A psalm in four parts

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”

Comment: In this first part the narrator of the Psalm, whom in its eternal meaning is meant to be the Holy Spirit, enunciates what is a recurring situation through all of history – people want to be the rulers of their own destiny. ‘Away with God’s control’, they cry.

He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”

Comment: God is not threatened by the challenge. It is a ludicrous assumption that man can displace God. He has appointed His king. At that time in Israel it was David, but in the eternal sense it is Jesus.

I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

Comment: The Eternal Son, the King of kings, clearly states what His Father has said to Him. He has been given authority to rule and judge.

Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers 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,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Comment: The Narrator, the Holy Spirit concludes with a stern warning to the rebellious but ends with the gracious offer of God to bless those who seek and take refuge in Him. The kiss is not the cuddling kiss, or even the friendship kiss, but the kiss of submission and worship, with bent head and humility!

Prayer: I would humbly bow and submit to You, O my God.