DAWN

     Explanation: Psalm 2 is the first of several Messianic Psalms, as shown by Hebrews 1:1-5, and Hebrews 5:1-5. These passages depict Christ as King and as the Son of God. The paintings above illustrate two key aspects of the chapter. The first depicts a coronation which blends political and religious aspects, as in first part of the Psalm. The second painting depicts a victor who advises those who would war against him in the future to think otherwise, as in the latter part of the Psalm.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Psalm 1. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Psalm 2 ]

     In the first stanza of Psalm 2 David (Acts 4:25) says that it is vain for the heathen to rage and to set themselves against the LORD and his anointed (the Messiah), thinking they can break free from His dominion (1-3). David says that God laughs at such nonsense. God will bring his wrath and his great displeasure upon them (4-6). The Son himself speaks in the third stanza, saying that the LORD (Jehovah) said to him that He was His Son, that He had the LORD's permission to ask for and to receive the heathen, and indeed the whole earth, for his inheritance. He will break them (those who resist) with a rod of iron like a potter's vessel (7-9). In the fourth stanza David resumes speaking and advises the kings of the earth to be wise and to serve the LORD with fear and trembling and to kiss the Son lest he be angry with them and they perish quickly. Conversely, says David, "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him" (10-12).

¹ Why do the heathen rage,
and the people imagine a vain thing?
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 break their bands asunder,
and cast away their cords from us.

⁴ He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:
the Lord shall have them in derision.
⁵ Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath,
and vex them in his sore displeasure.
⁶ Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

⁷ I will declare the decree:
the LORD hath said unto me,
Thou art my Son;
this day have I begotten thee.
⁸ Ask of me,
and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance,
and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
⁹ Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

¹⁰ Be wise now therefore,
O ye kings:
be instructed,
ye judges of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
¹² Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry,
and ye perish from the way,
when his wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.