Psalm 2v1-12
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.” 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.” 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. 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. (ESV)
- The sinful raging of the Gentiles (v1-3)
The God of Jacob is our fortress (cf Psalm 46v4-8 & Acts 4v25-26).
a) The revolt against God’s authority – The nations rage against the authority of God as we see in the world today. They set themselves against God and His commandments and take counsel together.
b) The revolt against God’s Anointed – they revolt against God the Father and His Son.
c) The revolt against God’s administration – they revolt against God’s cords and His bonds, which make for a better life for mankind yet they revolt against them!
- His sovereign response (v4-6)
a) God’s contempt for the kings – the Lord laughs at them and derides them.
b) Confrontation of the kings – this is a terrible confrontation where He will terrify them in His fury.
c) God’s coronation of His King – when God speaks to them in His fury we see God’s coronation of His King – our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is God’s king – His Son whom He put on His holy hill. - His sovereign rule (v7-9)
a) His Kingdom (v8) – Everything in this world belongs to Jesus Christ.
b) His Glory (v7) – The LORD declared to mankind the Son of God.
c) His power (v9) – He will break them with a rod of iron and dash them into pieces! Remember that all authority on heaven and earth has been given to Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1v5-6 & Matthew 28v18).
- A saving response to God (v10):
What is this?
a) Be wise (v10) – put right thinking into action. Hear the effectual calling against sinfulness and rebelliousness against God’s Anointed.
b) Be warned (v10-11) – lest He be angry, for His wrath is quickly kindled. If we do not repent we will perish. When we heed it we become worshipful and serve Him in fear and trembling.
c) Be worshipful (v12) – serve the Lord, savour the lord and be secure in the Lord (your refuge). You must fall on your face and ask the Saviour to save you from your sins ( Proverbs 9v10).