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]