Psalm 2: Song of the Lord’s Anointed

Psalm 2 “shows the futility of universal rebellion against the Lord and the blessedness of peoples that put their trust in the Son of God. . . . That Ps. 2 has Messianic import is attested in Acts 4:25–27. . . . “Structurally, the psalm falls into four portions, each stanza containing almost the same number of words. The first stanza (vs. 1–3) presents a picture of the high and mighty of earth defying the Ruler of the universe and His Messiah; the second stanza (vs. 4–6), in a contrasting picture, shows the Lord’s disdain for their taunts and establishes Messiah as King in Zion. The third stanza (vs. 7–9) represents the Son of God contemplating the decree that made Him the legal owner of the world; the fourth stanza (vs. 10–12) advises submission to the Lord’s Anointed. A blessing concludes the psalm (v. 12).” The kings and rulers of the earth have boldly set themselves against God (Psalm 2:2, 3), but eventually, He will stem their rebellion (vv. 4, 5). “Jesus, the Anointed One, the Word, God’s spokesman, speaks in turn, interpreting God’s great declaration of His Sonship. He is no usurper; He holds His office as Messiah by His Father’s decree. This decree implies (1) that Jesus is to be acknowledged as the Son of God, and (2) that His reign is to be universal (vs. 8–9).” David counsels earthly rulers to obey God, for disobedience only leads to destruction. They cannot win against God’s purposes.

There is joy in loving God and following His commandments.

All should pay homage to Christ and reverence His name (vv. 10–12).

“All men, of all ages, climes, and nations, have sinned and need a Saviour. Blessed are they who recognize their need and put their trust in the Messiah.” “The Lord in Zion reigneth, / Let all the world rejoice, / And come before His throne of grace / With tuneful heart and voice; / The Lord in Zion reigneth, / And there His praise shall ring, / To Him shall princes bend the knee / And kings their glory bring.”