READ: Ps. 2:1–12: … Why do the nations rage … Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling … Kiss the Son, lest He be angry … Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
In Psalm 1 we read of the antithesis in human life; underlying it is the conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Gen. 3:15). A conflict between the great adversary of the LORD and his followers on the one hand, and the LORD and His Christ, God’s Son, with all who follow Him, on the other. Psalm 2 is about that conflict.
The question is whether the author, David (Acts 4:25), also applied the psalm initially to his own kingship. In Acts 4:25–26, Peter and John apply verses 1 and 2 of the psalm to Pilate, Herod, and the Sanhedrin in their rebellion against the Christ.
In Acts 13:33, Paul cites verse 7, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You,” in connection with the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave by His Father.
Psalm 2 is fully Messianic. In verses 4–6 we read how the LORD responds to the attack of the adversary and his followers. As the Almighty, He mocks them. But the LORD does not leave it at that: they will experience His wrath.
In verses 7–9 the Son speaks. For the execution of God’s wrath, He, as the Christ, after His resurrection from the dead, will receive the name above every name and take His seat at the Father’s right hand. There He will open the seals of the scroll (Rev. 5). The adversaries will experience in great terror the wrath of the Lamb (Rev. 6:16–17). This ultimately finds its fulfillment at the final judgment.
In verses 10–12 the psalmist addresses words of warning to all who oppose the reign of Christ. At the same time, they are words of comfort for His church, especially when it is oppressed and persecuted. Kiss the Son: submit to Him, have fellowship with Him; accept His gospel—only then is salvation possible.
The psalm ends with a word of comfort for the faithful church: Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him! Sheltering in His blood, living from His grace, and trusting in His final victory.
Is there such conflict in our country or elsewhere?
Singing: Ps. 2:2,4