Psalm 2 - Digging Into the Psalms

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Psalm 2 begins with the question, actually two questions, why do the heathen rage, and why do the people imagine a vain thing? The Psalm concludes with the promise, "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." The actual authorship of the Psalm isn't given, but it's ascribed to David by the apostles: "Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things (Acts 4:25 KJV)."


Psalm 1 was moral in nature by showing us our moral duty to not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, to not stand in the way of sinners, and to not sit in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 2 is more evangelical in nature by showing us a clear prophetic picture of our Savior. Though the Psalm could be a reference to the kingdom of David, it is without doubt prophesying of the kingdom of Christ. The main subject of this Psalm is the Anointed One, the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.


Psalm 2 can be divided into four sections:

1. The first section presents the raging nations who oppose the kingdom of Christ (verses 1-3).
2. Section two speaks of God's baffling the opposition and of his chastening of them (verses 4-5). The section concludes with the ultimate victory of Christ in the setting up of his kingdom (verse 6).
3. The third section begins with a declaration of Christ (verse 7). The kingdom is confirmed and established. A promise of enlargement and success is given (verses 8-9).
4. The final section advises the kings and nations of the earth to yield in obedience to Christ (verses 10-11). It proceeds with a warning, then concludes with a promise of blessing to all who place their trust in Christ (verse 12).

Psalm 1 presented us with the Law and the blessing associated with delighting in the Law and being obedient to it by subjecting to it. The apostle Paul wrote that no man could be justified by the works of the law (Galatians 2:16). Thus it's appropriate that the prophecy of the Messiah is immediately brought to light with Psalm 2. We're now blessed to be subject to the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

We'll dig a little deeper into the raging of the nations next time. As usual, any comments, thoughts, and ideas are welcome. God bless...