December 2, 2019
A King That I Am Glad to Follow!
Psalm 2
Robert Green
Central Truth
Historically, kings are often seen as tyrannical and self-serving. We, however, have the joy of serving a King who is compassionate and selfless.
Key Verse | Psalm 2:12b
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2
The Reign of the LORD's Anointed
1
Why do the nations rage
1
2:1
Or nations noisily assemble
and the peoples plot in vain?
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 burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6
“As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7
I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9
You shall break
2
2:9
Revocalization yields (compare Septuagint) You shall rule
them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
10
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11
Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12
Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Dive Deeper | Psalm 2
Have you ever stared at a stereogram? Stereograms are pictures in which, if you stare at them long enough, a second image appears. Sometimes that's how the Bible is to me. I read the words but miss the deeper meaning. I see the first picture but miss the second. That's why I'm thankful for friends and Study Bibles that help me see these second pictures!
In Psalm 2, the first picture painted by the author David describes the coronation of the Jewish king. It contains a warning to the nations surrounding his territory. They must abandon their plans for hostility because God Himself has appointed David king, so they will be warring against God!
The second picture appears when viewing this psalm through the lens of the New Testament. Passages in Acts, Hebrews, and Revelation all explicitly reference key phrases in Psalm 2 and help reveal their ultimate meaning. They describe a coming King, which we know to be Jesus.
In the discussion questions below, I encourage you to take a few minutes to read the New Testament passages referring to this psalm. It will help you see the Advent story that God has been telling us for centuries!
This psalm's final verse says, "Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Today, I turn 60. That's a milestone that causes some reflection, let me tell you. I'm asking myself, "Have I found this verse to be true?" Despite having taken refuge in Him, I've experienced tragedy, pain, and injustice. Sometimes I don't feel blessed when God takes longer to act than I expect or when my road is more difficult than I might choose.
My answer: I am more convinced than ever that God is good, His ways are right, and His heart is true. When I doubt, He reassures. When I fear, He comforts. When I hurt, He heals. Yes, I'm prone to wander and leave the God I love, but He never leaves me. He is a compassionate and selfless King. I pray today that you will find refuge in the Anointed One!
Discussion Questions
1. Psalm 2:1-2 are quoted in Acts 4:23-31. Who are the two people groups that Peter and John said plotted in vain against Jesus?
2. Psalm 2:7 is quoted in these amazing passages: Hebrews 1:1-5, Hebrews 5:1-5, and Acts 13:32-33. Clearly Jesus is the Son mentioned in each. What attributes of Jesus are highlighted in these three passages?
3. Psalm 2:9 is referenced in Revelation. Read Revelation 19:11-21. This passage describes the Second Advent when Jesus returns to conquer the nations. Make note of the names of Jesus in this passage. How many do you count?
4. Speaking of stereograms, try to find the mermaid in this duck pond. If you struggle to see it, hold it close to your face and stare at a spot somewhere in the middle for 20 seconds, then slowly move away. Repeat this until she appears!