261 – Psalm 2 – Anointed

It might have been nice to begin a study in the book of Psalms with an introduction. Something that could give us information like who wrote the book, the date it was written, any grouping or categories of the Psalms, and how this book relates to the other books in the collection we refer to as the Holy Bible. The one peculiar feature of the book of Psalms is that each individual chapter is self-contained and potentially written by different authors. One possible exception of which I am aware is Psalms one and two. I have heard, but have not studied myself, that Psalms one and two may have originally been one Psalm that was later split into two.

There are five separate collections of Psalms that we refer to as books. The chapters have no chronological order. They simply appear in the order in which they were added to the official collection. This arrangement can make it easier to consider a single Psalm at a time without fear of ignoring the contextual context of the surrounding chapters. There is so much more that can be said perfunctorily about Psalms, but I think this will suffice for now. If you want to know more about an introduction to the Psalms feel free to leave a question in the comment section of this post.

I don’t want to re-print all of Psalms one and two here, but I hope you will read them together in order to notice how different they are from one another. There are only six verses in Psalm one and twelve verses in Psalm two.

I’m not going to walk through an exhaustive comparison of the first two chapters. However, I do want to point out that Psalm one seems to be talking about the individual, and Psalm two seems to be more pointed at the nations.

Psalm 2:1-3 (LEB)

Why are nations in tumult, and countries plotting in vain? 

2 The kings of the earth establish themselves, and the rulers conspire together against Yahweh and his anointed: 

3 “Let us tear off their bonds, and cast their cords from us!”

The Hebrew word translated “tumult” can be defined as commotion or rage. The author asks “why”? Why are they in such turmoil? Why are they plotting vainly (empty or void), meaning their plans are futile?

It seems the question was rhetorical because in the next verse the author gives us the answer. Notice the phrase “establish themselves”. These kings have made a decision and have resolved to stick by it. What is that decision? These rulers have all decided to conspire together (pool their resources) against Yahweh God and His anointed!

Who is Yahweh’s anointed? I used to believe it to be Yahweh’s people, you know, Christians. But let’s just see if the text will give us the answer so we don’t have to guess.

Indeed the text does clearly identify this person called “His anointed”. Verses six and seven identify Him and verses eight through twelve tell us what we can expect from Him.

Psalm 2:6-7 (LEB)

6 “But as for me, I have set my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 

7 I will tell the decree; Yahweh said to me: “You are my son; today I have begotten you.

This beautiful prophecy about Jesus was quoted as having been fulfilled in Acts 13:33 and  Hebrews 1:5!

Now that we’ve conclusively identified who the Kings of the nations have agreed to fight against let’s re-visit verse three.

Psalm 2:3 (LEB)

3 “Let us tear off their bonds, and cast their cords from us!”

The nations made up of kings and rulers have conspired together to violently (tear, cast) separate themselves from Yahweh God and Jesus His son!

Don’t we see evidence of this in our nation today? 

Consider the following from Wikipedia.

“School prayer in the United States if organized by the school is largely banned from public elementary, middle and high schools by a series of Supreme Court decisions since 1962.”

Sounds like tearing off Yahweh’s bonds and casting away the cords (connections) to Him to me.

How do you think God feels about re-defining what He has declared truth? He declares marriage to be between one man and one woman! When we redefine marriage to be between any combination of man/woman can you see how that is casting Him aside?

How about gender change? Yahweh God says you and I were created in His image. We are to reflect His glory. Look at this verse.

Psalm 13:14 (LEB)

14 I praise you, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it well.

What about abortion. First of all let’s call it what it is, the murder of babies. If God says we are created in His image and that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” do you see how murdering the unborn is a direct assault against God?

Well, Yahweh has a response. He will not remain silent.

Psalm 2:4-5 introduces His response:

Psalm 2:4-5 (LEB)

4 He who sits enthroned in the heavens laughs. The Lord derides them. 5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, and in his fury he terrifies them:

Remember, God’s Word does not exist in a vacuum. God interacts with mankind. Because He seems silent, His enemies think He is absent. He is not silent. He speaks through His word and He has already declared what He will do. He has never granted us permission to redefine His truth and will hold all offenders accountable.

God truly is worthy of all praise, worship, and adoration.

God willing, we will consider the remainder of Psalm two next time.