2:1ffSeveral psalms are called “messianic” because of their prophetic descriptions of Jesus the Messiah (Christ)—tis life, death, resurrection, and future reign. David, who may have written this psalm, was a shepherd, soldier, and king. Clearly he was also a prophet (Acts 2:29, 30) because this psalm describes the rebellion of the nations and the coming of Christ to establish his eternal reign. This psalm is often mentioned in the New Testa-
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 2
Psalm 2
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 843, 844
2Psalm 2
1Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
2The kings of the earth prepare for battle;the rulers plot togetheragainst the LORDand against his anointed one.
3“Let us break their chains,” they cry,“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
4But the one who rules in heaven laughs.The LORD scoffs at them.
5Then in anger he rebukes them,terrifying them with his fierce fury.
6For the LORD declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the thronein Jerusalem,* on my holy mountain.”
7The king proclaims the LORD’s decree:“The LORD Said to me, ‘You are my son.*Today I have become your Father.*
8Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,the whole earth as your possession.
9You will break* them with an iron rodand smash them like clay pots.’”
10Now then, you kings, act wisely!Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
11Serve the LORD with reverent fear,and rejoice with trembling.
12Submit to God’s royal son,* or he will become angry,and you will be destroyed i in the midst of all your activities—for his anger flares up in an instant.But what joy for all who take refuge in him!
ment (see Acts 4:25, 26; 13:33; Hebrews 1:5, 6; 5:5; Revelation2:26, 27; 12:5; 19:15).2:1ff David may have written these words during a conspiracyagainst Israel by some of the surrounding pagan nations. Chosenand anointed by God, David knew that God would fulfill his prom-ise to bring the Messiah into the world through his bloodline
Textual footnotes
- rule. Compare Rev 2:27.
- 2:6 Hebrew on Zion.
- 2:7a Or Son; also in 2:12.
- 2:7b Or Today I reveal you as my son.
- 2:12 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
Life Application Notes 2 notes
2:18and James 4:14.)
Charts, profiles & sidebars from the printed pages
Study feature · page 844
2:9 Greek version reads