The kingdom of Christ, 1-9. Kings are exhorted to accept it, 10-12.
1 Why do the heathen rage/
and the people plot 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 bonds apart/
and cast away their cords from us."
4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh./
The Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then he shall speak to them in his wrath/
and trouble them in his sore displeasure.
6 "Yet I have set my king/
upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree./
The LORD has said to me, 'You are my Son./
This day I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give you the heathen for your inheritance/
and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron./
You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.'"
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings./
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear/
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way/
when his wrath is kindled but a little./
Blessed are all those who put their trust in him.
Matthew Henry Commentary - Psalms, Chapter 2[➚]
John Calvin's Chapter Summary:
David boasts that his kingdom, though assailed by a vast multitude of powerful enemies, would, notwithstanding, be perpetual, because it was upheld by the hand and power of God. He adds, that in spite of his enemies, it would be extended even to the uttermost ends of the earth. And, therefore, he exhorts kings and other rulers to lay aside their pride, and receive, with submissive minds, the yoke laid upon them by God; as it would be vain for them to attempt to shake it off. All this was typical and contains a prophecy concerning the future kingdom of Christ.
[v.1-2] - Quoted in Acts 4:25-26.
[v.7] - Quoted in Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5, 5:5.
[v.8-9] - Quoted in Revelation 2:26-27.
[v.9] - Quoted in Revelation 12:5, 19:15.
[v.10] - "The beginning of true wisdom is when a man lays aside his pride, and submits himself to the authority of Christ" —John Calvin
[v.12] - "Kiss the Son" - The Septuagint reads as, "Accept correction," or, "Lay hold upon instruction." Instruction can also be interpreted as, good morals, virtue, or that which is pure. Another way to put it is, "Embrace the doctrine of God."