May 7, 2024

Can Worldly Authorities Overthrow God's Plans?

Psalm 2

Bobby Durning
Tuesday's Devo

May 7, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

May 7, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

May 7, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

May 7, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 2:6

"As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill."

Psalm 2

The Reign of the LORD's Anointed

1  Why do the nations rage 1 2:1 Or nations noisily assemble
    and the peoples plot in vain?
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 burst their bonds apart
    and cast away their cords from us.”

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

7  I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
    today I have begotten you.
8  Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
    and the ends of the earth your possession.
9  You shall break 2 2:9 Revocalization yields (compare Septuagint) You shall rule them with a rod of iron
    and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”

10  Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
    be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11  Serve the LORD with fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12  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.

Footnotes

[1] 2:1 Or nations noisily assemble
[2] 2:9 Revocalization yields (compare Septuagint) You shall rule
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #1: Where is Zion?

Fact: Where is Zion?

Where is Zion? Zion (2:6) is the mountain where Jerusalem and the temple were built. The term “Zion” sometimes refers to ancient Jerusalem and sometimes stands for the permanent home where God’s people will live forever with him (see Isa. 4:2–6; 12:1–6; 65:17–25).

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 2:2 The word “Messiah” comes from transliterating the Hebrew word for Anointed, and the word “Christ” comes from translating “Anointed” into Greek. For the Gentiles to rebel against the Davidic king is to rebel against the Lord who made him king (see Acts 4:25–26).

Study Notes
Psalms Fact #1: Where is Zion?

Fact: Where is Zion?

Where is Zion? Zion (2:6) is the mountain where Jerusalem and the temple were built. The term “Zion” sometimes refers to ancient Jerusalem and sometimes stands for the permanent home where God’s people will live forever with him (see Isa. 4:2–6; 12:1–6; 65:17–25).

Study Notes

Ps. 2:7 The decree is the divine word spoken when the king took his throne. The LORD said. The past tense indicates that the king recalls the divine word at a time of trouble after his coronation. You are my Son. In 2 Sam. 7:14, God says that he will take the heir of David as a “son.” The people of Israel as a whole are called the “son of God” (see Ex. 4:22–23; Ps. 80:15; Hos. 11:1), and the king is called the “son of God” because he represents the people (see Ps. 89:27). Hebrews 1:5 combines Ps. 2:7 with 2 Sam. 7:14 to identify Jesus as the messianic heir of David. In Acts 13:33 and Rom. 1:4, Paul portrays the resurrection of Jesus as his coronation as the Davidic king.

Study Notes

Ps. 2:8 The Gentile nations of the earth will find blessing in the heir of David who makes them his subjects (see Gen. 22:18; also Ps. 72:8–11, 17). This includes those nations who were in revolt (2:1). Thus Paul looks forward to a day when people from all nations will come to faith (Rom. 1:5).

Study Notes

Ps. 2:10 kings . . . rulers of the earth. See v. 2.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 2. God made David and his descendants kings in order to fulfill the purpose for which Abraham was called: to bring blessing to all nations (Gen. 12:1–3). At a time when Gentile kingdoms sought to throw off Israelite rule, this psalm recalls the promises made to the Davidic king at his coronation. Gentiles will find lasting joy only as subjects of this king. The psalm also looks to the future, when the Davidic Messiah will rule all nations.

Ps. 2:12 Kiss the Son. The Son is the heir of David (v. 7). The kiss denotes religious homage, which the Davidic king deserves (v. 2). The kings must understand that the ruler whom they reject is not just another human ruler but is God’s own appointed king for the whole world.

Listen to the Podcast

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 2

The world's authorities attempt to set themselves up against God by choosing their own way. They believe humanity would be better off without their Creator, just like Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. This belief isn't just a general lack of interest in God; it's an intentional rejection. See how the world's authorities talk about their intentions in Psalm 2:3. They are saying, "We openly reject God's kingship and authority." 

What does God think about their rejection of Him? Does He become afraid? Does He back down or change His plans based on the world's mockery of Him? No. God laughs. God laughs at the world's authorities like we would laugh at an ant that threatens us. What can an ant really do? What can the world's authorities do to get in the way of God's plans for the redemption of His people and the restoration of His creation? Nothing. 

God's laugh isn't like a movie villain's laugh. This isn't the laugh of someone who has evil plans for people. God is just, and His plans are always for the eternal good and protection of His people—us! He won't let anything get in the way of His care for us in the present, or His plan to restore the universe from the presence of sin in the future when Christ returns. 

Can you see Jesus here? Psalm 2:6-7 speak of a King whom God has set on His throne. In Psalm 2:7 God says, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you." The word begotten means "bring forth" or "reveal." Jesus has been revealed to the world by the Father.

Jesus not only protects us (His people) from the wrath of the Father, but has taken the wrathful and deserved punishment for our rejection of God upon Himself at the cross. We are commanded to "kiss the Son" (Psalm 2:12), to embrace Him as our salvation, owing everything to Him because of what He did for us. He sits on the throne of heaven and earth, and no one can change that. Take refuge in Him today! 

This month's memory verse

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

– John 14:15

Discussion Questions

1. What ways do you see the world around you "raging," "plotting in vain," or "setting themselves" against the Lord? 

2. How do you see people in your life openly rejecting God's authority by choosing their own way? 

3. What are ways you accidentally or intentionally reject the authority of God in your own life?  

4. Why should we be grateful for Jesus today?

5. In the midst of a sin-filled and broken world that always rejects God, what hope do you have because of Jesus? What are ways you can take refuge in Him today?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Psalm 2 is heavily quoted in the New testament about both the resurrection of Jesus and why Jesus is better. In some ways Psalm 2 is a continuation of Psalm 1 where the way of the wicked will perish. Now they rage and the Lord laughs. Blessed are all those who trust in his closing Psalm 2 also tied Psalms 1 and 2 together. Like a 2 part Psalm. We have here the first promise of an answered prayer in the Psalms and it is the Father to the Son. "Ask of Me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance". Nations rage, God laughs, after all He knows the wicked are like chaff in Psalm 1. There are contrasts within the Psalm In the Psalm the nations rage and want to burst the bonds asunder. The LORD will do the shattering if they don't kiss the Son. Kings rage at the start, they are warned to Kiss the Son at the end. We know from Isaiah 52 that kings will shut their mouths because of Him. There are ties with the last Psalm besides the way of the wicked will perish. Warnings to the wicked in both. Blessed is the mam is tied to blessed are those who take refuge in Him. Blessing bookend the Psalms. There is a contrast between Psalm 2 and Psalm 3, the Son of God reigning contrasted with David on the run from his son Absalom. Un-fallen Son of God. Fallen son of David, Absalom. Some promises for Jesus tranfer to the church. The LORD Jesus will rule with a rod of iron but this same promise of ruling with a rod of iron is offered to over-comering believers of Thyatira in Revelation 2. That's an example of a promise to Jesus with a fulfillment in the church in Christ. Promises to Jesus sometimes transfer in some measure to the church. We also see more of this later in Psalm 37 "The meek shall inherit the earth" so the meek inherit the earth in the Son and surrounding Psalm 37 are Psalms of the sufferings of Jesus. And in a way the inheritance theme near the start and end of book 1 (Ps 1-41) is a backbone of the book and a poetic takeoff of the inheritance of the blessing of Abraham in his son from Genesis. There is hint of the Son of God and a second Adam also in Psalms 1 through 8. Here God's Son will inherit the nations. but in the next Psalm, Psalm 3, David is on the run from his son and so this son in Psalm 2 is no ordinary Son of David. The man in Psalm 8 is no ordinary man. Here the Son can be righteously angry and the wicked perish, in Psalm 4 'be angry and sin not" is warned to less perfect believers. Likewise in Psalm 8 the Son of man is glorified but contrasted with mere men who perish, the man of the earth in Psalms 9 and 10 who engage in violence and corruption. More evidence of a second Adam.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Ps 2:2 Psalms 2:2 (NASB) The kings of the earth take their stand And >>>the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,<<< We follow the Despised Messiah, Who is Yeshua (i.e. Jesus; Isa 49:7, Lk 2:34, Jn 15:18-25). Re: Ps 2:6 Psalms 2:6 (NASB1995) “But as for Me, >>>I have installed My King Upon Zion<<<, My holy mountain.” According to Dr. David C. Mitchell, a king upon Zion hints at Messiah ben David. Thus, Ps 1 and Ps 2 are pillars at the gateway to the Psalms. The first evokes Messiah ben Joseph, the second evokes Messiah ben David. Re: Ps 2:7 Psalms 2:7 (NASB) “I will surely tell of the *decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today >>>I have begotten You.<<< Quoted in Heb 5:5 Re: Ps 2:12 Psalms 2:12 (NASB) >>>[Lit. “Kiss;” some ancient versions read “Do homage purely,” or, “Lay hold of instruction”] Do homage to the Son<<<, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Bobby. Love the testimony of coming from a believing family. I hear the Matt Chandler influence in your deeper dive. Good job channeling that. Apart from pointing to Jesus I like how the OT in general and the Psalms in particular warned the original readers then and us now not to lose sight of a bigger picture through self focus. The ESV study note concludes Psalm 2 this way: God made David and his descendants kings in order to fulfill the purpose for which Abraham was called: to bring blessing to all nations (Gen. 12:1–3). At a time when Gentile kingdoms sought to throw off Israelite rule, this psalm recalls the promises made to the Davidic king at his coronation. Gentiles will find lasting joy only as subjects of this king. The psalm also looks to the future, when the Davidic Messiah will rule all nations. That is the orientation of Psalm 2. Psalm 3 is the disorientation of Psalm 2. The Psalm ends with: 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. Psalm 2:12 Psalm 3 David is on the run from Absalom. That, is disorientation of Psalm 2 if there ever was one. Within that disorientation it could be said that Achitophel, the grandfather of Bathsheba, was one who “kissed the son” Absalom by backing him in his coup to overthrow David after the rape of his granddaughter. “Blessed are all who take refuge in him” would not apply as he will commit suicide when sees that the coup will fail. There is fair warning to Gentile kings in Psalm 2. There is a subtle warning to Israelites in the prayer of David concerning his enemies in Psalm 3. 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.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:7-11 Again there is an orientation in Psalm 2. Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah the Hittite, although he’s ever mentioned as a king from what we know of his character as a Gentile he would orientate well into Psalm 2. As a Gentile we don’t know if Uriah was familiar with Genesis 12:1-3 but if he was he was probably encouraged by it. You probably couldn’t be counted among the mighty men of David (1 Chronicles 11, 2 Samuel 23) and not be encouraged that you were called to serve a king charged with leading a nation intended to be a blessing to the rest of the nations. Bathsheba’s rape and Uriah’s murder are both apart of the run up to the Absalom account that sets up Psalm 3. A new orientation is coming but a few more disorientation Psalms come first. Reading Psalms 1, 2, and 3 together and knowing “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey used to say, I might answer Questions 1-5 in one of two ways. Am I being a blessing? How am I being a blessing?
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Thank you Bobby for your deeper dive. Praise God that you “kissed the king” king Jesus; as your parents shared with you growing up. I pray the same for my own kids. As other commenters have noted it’s interesting to read Psalms 1-3 as a whole as the opening of the book of Psalms. We see the contrast of the righteous and the wicket in Psalm 1, the hope of a better coming King in Jesus in Psalm 2, and the reality that Earthly kings will have hardship in Psalm 3. Q3: how do these 3 Psalms direct me in how to “kiss the son” or submit to Christs authority as King over my life? How do I reject Gods authority? - I look for fleeting things to satisfy, I choose to make myself king (queen) over my life in my pride, instead of sitting at the feet of the one who watches over my ways, helps me bear fruit, blesses me as I take refuge in him, and delivers me from the schemes of the enemy that want to go against the Lord. May Christ be the king over my heart, soul, and mind. Today and always. Amen. Listening to: As for me (Psalm 2) by Christy Nockels
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Bobby. Especially for this: "God laughs at the world's authorities like we would laugh at an ant that threatens us." YES!!!! God's invitation, "ASK ME!!" in v. 8, "Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.," really resonated with me. The older I get, the more I hear the call of His heart, "Ask Me for what you want, beloved daughter!" And today, and this week and next, is one of the most magnificent examples of how that plays out. After I asked the Lord for another big, memorable travel year, He said yes, and I write this from a cruise ship docked in Thessaloniki, Greece. (There's not much to see of ancient Thessalonica; they just built what's here on top of the ruins.) When I asked Him for a handicap cabin on this ship, once boarding was complete yesterday, He said yes and we were able to move to a room big enough to accommodate my scooter. Almost every time I turn around, God keeps saying yes to my askings. The way He pours out His love means that when He says no, I am able to receive that answer as yet another manifestation of His care for me.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. When a “favorite team” loses or when things don’t go as planned, “raging” can occur. If you lose your focus or if you are exhausted, listening to God and practicing His ways becomes hard though God is still listening and practicing His ways. 2. When busyness occurs, when everything “seems” good, or if people are tired, God has been openly rejected. 3. In extreme situations of pain or pressure, I look to other believers to remind me of God’s goodness because it is too hard on my own. 4. Jesus helps us consider things we wouldn’t usually consider on our own so we get the best options in life. 5. Jesus helps me believe certain things can be fixed though they seem impossible. Bobby - Thank you for sharing your ideas. “The world's authorities attempt to set themselves up against God by choosing their own way”. This does happen and it is good authorities believe in themselves and their abilities. But, if we believe in God as we handle authoritative duties, better results will be produced.