Psalm 2:1-6 Notes

Psalm 2:1-6
1. Why do the nations 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 in pieces and cast away Their cords from us."
4. He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.
5. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure:
6. "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion."

1. Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?

• The word rage denotes pride and aggressiveness.
• In Greek it is linked to ahorse that neighs and then rushes straight into battle.
• It is a fruit of rebellion by both the people and leaders.

2. The 'kings' of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, (... or take their stand), against the Lord and against His Anointed saying... (forgetting that we always remain under authority to God Himself).

• SET describes that it is not just rage but seated-hatred.
• 'ad the rulers take counsel together' - they don't go into warfare with foolish haste but with skillfull determination and delberation.

* Think 'Perfect Storm' as a picture of the heathen raging, the roaring seas, tossed to and fro, restless and quite often imposing.

* During the 1850's numerous monumental pillars were raised (some in Spain), which still remain, bearing inscriptions such as:

• In honour of the name of Christian being extinguished!
• For having everywhere abolished the superstition of Christ, and for having extended the worship of the gods...

• Like Herod plotting against Christ, trying to kill off the future of Christiandom.
• Psalm 1 is a contrast between the righteous man and the sinner. Psalm 2 is a contrast between tumultuous disobedience of a Godless word and a certain exaltation of the righteous son of God.