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Daily Bible Studywith SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM

Updated: Saturday, 22 November 2008, 12:06 (GMT)

31 August 2008 | Psalm 2

Why do the nations plot, and why do their people
make useless plans? The kings of this earth
have all joined together
to turn against the LORD
and his chosen one.

They say, "Let's cut the ropes
and set ourselves free!"
In heaven the LORD laughs
as he sits on his throne,
making fun of the nations.

The LORD becomes furious
and threatens them.
His anger terrifies them as he says,
"I've put my king on Zion, my sacred hill."

I will tell the promise that the LORD made to me:
"You are my son, because today
I have become your father.
Ask me for the nations,
and every nation on earth
will belong to you.

You will smash them
with an iron rod
and shatter them
like dishes of clay."
Be smart, all you rulers,
and pay close attention.

Serve and honor the LORD;
be glad and tremble.
Show respect to his son
because if you don't,
the LORD might become furious
and suddenly destroy you.

But he blesses and protects
everyone who runs to him.

Notes

This psalm has dual meaning - human and divine. In its human setting it is a psalm written by David for the coronation of his son Solomon.

During David's reign, enemies had set themselves against God and his people so the language is confrontational. Family tensions also led to an attempted coup when Adonijah, another of David's sons, wanted to be king (see 1 Kings 1). Things were tense.

In its divine context, the psalm is about the relationship between God the Father and his Son (v 7). It's about the Father's sovereignty (v 6), the Son's identity (vs 2,6), and the Son's inheritance and mandate (vs 8,9). It's also about the anger of both Father and Son towards all who oppose them (vs 5,12).

Sustained opposition to the authority of Father and Son usually arises from ignorance, arrogance, or the strong desire for independence (v 3). Notice too how this psalm is used in Acts 4:23-29.

The psalm therefore exhorts us to have a right response to God's authority. Being wise includes listening to God's warnings (vs 10,11). We are invited to submit to the Lord today with a holy respect and reverence. To be blessed is to take refuge in him (v 12).

How do you show by your daily life that you are subject to a heavenly King?

Prayer

'Why, why, why?' That question is a common refrain throughout history and today. Unlike a good grammatical construct, the answer doesn't begin with 'because' but with 'Dear Lord...'

Today's Writer

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