Knowing The Word: Psalm 2, The Reign of the Lord's Anointed

When the Israelites spoke Psalm 2 in worship, they were reminded of the promise made to Abraham of God’s people being a blessing to all nations. This was partially fulfilled in King David, who ruled over his Gentile neighbors. However, as the psalm suggests, the scope of the accomplishment of blessing the entire world requires more than a mere human. Ultimately this psalm looks forward to Jesus, the descendant of David, who is “my Son” and the true King who fulfills the purposes and promises of God.

1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 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.

Lord Jesus, you are my king and I am your subject. Assist me today to live in and for your kingdom by honoring the two commandments you give me to love God and my neighbor as myself in a tangible way.