Psalm 2
BSB
The Triumphant Messiah
(Acts 4:23–31)
1Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2The 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.”
4The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord taunts them.
5Then He rebukes them in His anger,
and terrifies them in His fury:
6“I have installed My King on Zion,
upon My holy mountain.”
7I will proclaim the decree
spoken to Me by the LORD:
“You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.
8Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance,
the ends of the earth Your possession.
9You will break them with an iron scepter;
You will shatter them like pottery.”
10Therefore be wise, O kings;
be admonished, O judges of the earth.
11Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss 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.
Introduction
Psalms 2
As the foregoing psalm was moral, and showed us our duty, so this is evangelical, and shows us our Saviour. Under the type of David's kingdom (which was of divine appointment, met with much opposition, but prevailed at last) the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is prophesied of, which is the primary intention and scope of the psalm; and I think there is less in it of the type, and more of the anti-type, than in any of the gospel psalms, for there is nothing in it but what is applicable to Christ, but some things that are not at all applicable to David (Psa 2:6, Psa 2:7): "Thou art my Son" (Psa 2:8), "I will give thee the uttermost parts of the earth," and (Psa 2:12), "Kiss the Son." It is interpreted of Christ Act 4:24; Act 13:33; Heb 1:5. The Holy Ghost here foretels, I. The opposition that should be given to the kingdom of the Messiah (Psa 2:1-3). II. The baffling and chastising of that opposition (Psa 2:4, Psa 2:5). III. The setting up of the kingdom of Christ, notwithstanding that opposition (Psa 2:6). IV. The confirmation and establishment of it (Psa 2:7). V. A promise of the enlargement and success of it (Psa 2:8, Psa 2:9). VI. A call and exhortation to kings and princes to yield themselves the willing subjects of this kingdom, (Psa 2:10-12). Or thus: We have here, I. Threatenings denounced against the adversaries of Christ's kingdom (Psa 2:1-6). II. Promises made to Christ himself, the head of this kingdom (Psa 2:7-9). III. Counsel given to all to espouse the interests of this kingdom (Psa 2:10-12). This psalm, as the former, is very fitly prefixed to this book of devotions, because, as it is necessary to our acceptance with God that we should be subject to the precepts of his law, so it is likewise that we should be subject to the grace of his gospel, and come to him in the name of a Mediator.
Cross-references: Ps 2:6 · Ps 2:7 · Ps 2:8 · Ps 2:12 · Acts 4:24 · Acts 13:33 · Heb 1:5 · Ps 2:1 · Ps 2:4 · Ps 2:5 · Ps 2:9 · Ps 2:10