Psalm 2

1Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? 2The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying, 3“Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.” 4He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision. 5Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath: 6“Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” 7I will tell of the decree: Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father. 8Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. 9You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 10Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

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

Introduction