Psalm 2. This second Psalm introduces the second great subject of the Psalms; i.e. the Messiah Himself. We had the remnant introduced in the first Psalm, and now we get the remnant’s hope introduced in the second Psalm. Psalm 2 is of vast importance as we find it quoted abundantly (5X) in the New Testament. This is a Psalm of David, as we will learn in vv.1-2.

 

The Messianic Psalms.

The "Messianic Psalms" are those Psalms that speak of Christ personally, whether in His sufferings or His coming glories. Usually these Psalms are quoted in the New Testament, and applied to Christ. They are: Psalms 2; 8; 16; 18; 22; 31; 40; 41; 45; 68; 69; 91; 97; 102; 104; 110; 117; 118. A subset of the Messianic Psalms that deal with the sufferings of Christ are called "Passion Psalms". They are Psalms 18; 22; 31; 69; 88; 102.

 

 

vv.1-3 The nations’ vain thoughts against Jehovah. Note that vv.1-2 are quoted in Acts 4:25-26, and their attributed to “the mouth of thy servant David”, showing that this Psalm is a Psalm of David. This is an indication that at least some of the unclaimed Psalms are really also authored by “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Sam. 23:1). The nations are pictured in a state of turmoil, like the raging waves of the sea. The psalmist asks the question, why are the nations in such a state? “Why do the peoples meditate a vain thing?” The word “peoples” in the Hebrew is a general word for the races of men. The nations have organized themselves (into confederacies) and their leaders plot together for a common purpose: to rebel against Jehovah and His purpose, which is to glorify Christ, “his anointed”. The Hebrew word for “anointed” is “mshichu”, which is the same as Messiah, or “Christ” in Greek (John 1:41). They resist the authority of God, and the reign of Christ. In Acts 4, vv.1-2 are quoted in reference to the unholy union of Pilate and Herod, of the Jews and the Romans, against the Lord Jesus.¹ Luke shows that the alliance of nations against Christ at His first coming is in accordance with the character of Psalm 2, although it is not the final fulfillment. The final fulfillment is still future!

 

 

vv.4-6 Jehovah’s Voice to the Nations. But will the efforts of rebellious man, under the control of Satan, come to fruition? No! The power of sovereignty of God rises up like an impenetrable fortress. The laughter of God shows the utter foolishness of puny man’s bold efforts to overthrow His plans; “He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh, the Lord shall have them in derision.” After the laughter, Jehovah’s voice of anger is heard, announcing the accomplishment of His purpose in spite of their efforts; “I have anointed my king upon Zion”. This is seen as terrifying the nations.

 

 

vv.7-9 Jehovah’s Decree to His Son. We now have the voice of Messiah Himself speaking, repeating the decree given to Him by Jehovah. This section brings out the earthly royalty of Messiah, reigning in Zion, upon the throne of David. The fact that Christ speaking in Revelation 2:27 quotes Psalm 2 about Jehovah addressing His Son, and then states that it was a promise He had received from His Father, is a beautiful testimony to the Eternal Sonship and Deity of Christ! Psalm 2, likely written 1000 years before the incarnation, testifies of the Sonship of Christ, and the Father’s desire (though not yet revealed as Father until Christ came), to glorify His Son. The statement “Thou art my Son; I this day have begotten thee” refers to the Sonship of Christ in time, in connection with His incarnation. But contrary to the false ideas of man, when Christ’s sonship is mentioned in connection with His incarnation (such as 2 Sam. 7:14; Heb. 1:5; 5:5), it does not set aside His eternal Sonship, but rather it strengthens it! Although the Son was now a man in humiliation on earth, He was begotten of God, not merely a product of the flesh as other men. But the expression “Thou art my Son” declares the truth of His eternal relationship. The point is simply this: that even as a man on earth, Christ remained the Son! This is borne out in the following statement: “Ask of me, and I will give thee nations for an inheritance, and for thy possession the ends of the earth”. It is an account of the sonship of Christ that He is heir of all things. As a perfect, dependent man, Christ will “ask” His Father for His inheritance. What a blessed reward for the One who was faithful in the face of the Devil’s temptation (Matt. 4:8-9)! The Messiah’s undisputed authority is pictured as “a rod of iron”. The nations which raged against Him will be broken “like a potter’s vessel”. We get the Messiah’s right to the kingdom in v.7; “Thou art my Son”. We get the extent of His kingdom in v.8; “the ends of the earth”. We get the way He will take the kingdom in v.10, i.e. through judgement; “Thou shalt break them, etc.”

 

 

 

vv.10-12 Jehovah’s Admonition to the Nations. The admonition is to the kings and judges of the earth, to some and submit themselves to Jehovah and to His Christ while there is still time. This is the essence of the gospel of the kingdom, which will be carried forth by the remnant. Perhaps they will use these very words? Read more… “Kiss the Son” means to pledge unfailing allegiance to Him. The last sentence is separated from the previous line as a word to the faithful. It shows that Psa. 1-2 really form an introduction together; bookended by “blessed is the man”. When the faithful consider Him who will reign victorious over all enemies, they are encouraged in the path; “Blessed are all who have their trust in him.” Only those who receive the gospel of the kingdom will put their trust in Him (Matt. 25).