Psalms 2:1-12 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

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God's Son upon His Throne

Psalms 2:1-12

This is one of the sublimest of the Psalms, and can find its fulfillment only in our Lord. See Acts 4:25; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5; Revelation 2:27. The mold in which the psalm is cast is highly dramatic.

The determined hate of the peoples, Psalms 2:1-3

Rage conveys the idea of gesticulations and cries of frenzy. For Psalms 2:2, see Luke 23:12-13; Acts 4:25-26.

The divine tranquillity, Psalms 2:4-6

The scene shifts to heaven. In spite of all, the eternal purpose moves on. I have set -that is, “anointed.” “Messiah” and “Christ” alike mean anointed, Acts 10:38.

The manifesto of Messiah, Psalms 2:7-9

Before time began He was the only begotten Son of God, John 17:5. But His sonship was declared at His resurrection, Acts 13:30-37. The world is His, to be won by the Cross and intercession.

Overtures of peace, Psalms 2:12

Kiss, 1 Samuel 10:1. This psalm closes as the first began, “Oh, the blessedness!”

Related Commentaries of Psalms 2:1

Psalms 2:1-12

1 Why do the heathen rage,a 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 vexb them in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I setc my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will declare the decree:d 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.