FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 2
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added in italic
a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 2: The folly of the rebellious world
[Preliminary
comment: The psalm is an overview of the sinful world,
post the Fall, where Sin means mankind rebels against God, seen
especially in those who misguidedly think they hold all power
and authority. It comes with revelation and warning.]
v.1-3
The folly of the rebellious world
v.1
Why
do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
[the
sinful actions of mankind in the fallen world]
v.2 The
kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed,
[all
human authority rises against God]
saying,
v.3 “Let
us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”
[seeing
themselves as potentially limited by God's rule]
v.4,5
The Lord's Response
v.4
The
One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
[the
Lord is not put off by their foolish words but simply laughs at
them]
v.5 He
rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
[but then He goes on to chide
them and acts against them bringing terror]
v.6-9
The Lord's Declaration
v.6
“I
have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.
[they
think they rule but God has established His own Son as supreme
ruler]
v.7
I
will proclaim the Lord's decree:
He
said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father.
[He
had long back [from the beginning] established him over His creation]
v.8 Ask
me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
[the
Son had but to ask and the Father would grant total reign]
v.9 You
will break them with a rod of iron;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
[it
is a rule that can bring utter destruction where necessary]
v.10-12
Warning by the Psalmist
v.10
Therefore,
you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
[with
this revelation in mind, those rulers ought to think again]
v.11
Serve
the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
[instead
they should respect & honour the Lord with holy fear]
v.12
Kiss
his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
[they
should not take the Son's benevolence for granted [just because
he gives them such freedom to rebel] for when the time is right
he can, and will, act strongly. The wise should take refuge in
him, not rebel against him.]
[Additional
Thoughts: The psalm should be read in the light of wider
scripture, for example Psa 110:1,2 where prophetically
this Son is spoken of: “The
Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make
your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The Lord will
extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in
the midst of your enemies!” cited
by Jesus [Mt 22:43-45] to show it referred to him and not merely
to David.
See
also 1 Cor 15:24,25 revealing the Son who rules
throughout history: “Then
the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father
after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under
his feet.”
The
big picture of scripture is that although mankind have been given
free will and use it to rebel against God, the Son of God has
been granted all authority to reign in the midst of this sinful
rebellion and to continue reigning until the time when God decrees
it is time to wind it all up and the Son comes as a conquering
king - see Rev 19]
Design
Criteria
1.
Divided by main sub-headings.
2.
Each verse is followed by a brief summary of the verse.
3.
The Preliminary comment at the beginning lays out what
is coming and the final 'Additional Thoughts' provides
a wider perspective.
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