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The following Psalm is one of great depth. I am afraid I can not do it the justice of its glory. It is my hope,
and prayer, that I can at least open your eyes to a glimpse of what treasure is to be found there.
The placement of this Psalm is significant in the Book of Psalms. Following the choice of life or death, offered
in Psalm 1, the natural "next" is to point us to the Son of God. That is the view of this second Psalm.
We get a view into the Throne Room of heaven, and a dialogue between the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the
Father. We also see the accountability that falls upon all mankind to bow before the Son of God, or perish. That
accountability is specifically on a national level here. Nations and countries are accountable to Him, NO MATTER
WHAT TYPE OF GOVERNMENT OR WHAT IS IN ITS CONSTITUTION.
Bare this thought in mind: all created things are under the jurisdiction and accountability of their creators or
owners. Whether men like it or not (including governments, for God instituted them), men are accountable to their
Creator. It makes no difference if men deny God's ownership. Truth and reality is simply that, even if someone
denies truth and reality.
Consider this scenario for a moment: You are driving along a road that goes up over a hill. You cannot see beyond
that, but you have been down this road many times. You know it carries straight on for miles and miles. Someone
tells you there is now a big canyon that breaches this road, just past the top of the hill. The breach spans a
chasm of a good half mile. After that, the road continues on the other side. You don't believe him. You are sure
there is no such chasm. You speed on, as if the story was simply one man's fantasy. Now, considering the chasm
is a truth, it makes no difference to your faith or lack of it. If you continue, as if it were not a reality,
no matter how sincere you are, you will go flying off the edge into the canyon. Faith in a falsehood will not
deliver you from the consequences of the reality. You may deny, but it can't change hard core truth. The
consequences and responsibilities are just real, period.
Having said that, I would like to proceed into our glimpse of:
Psalm 2
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine 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 bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy
possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed
are all they that put their trust in him.
Mankind's
Rebellion
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Notice this Psalm starts with wonder. I believe we are seeing the question of shock. Like someone who has undergone
tragedy, they question, "Why?". So here is the question of unbelievable shock of such a rebellious response to God's
sovereignity.
The term "heathen" carries a negative connotation in our language. The Hebrew term used simply means, "nations". It
is referring to the different groupings we commonly classify as different nations of mankind.
This verse is a Hebrew parallelism. We find nations raging, with the parallel of people meditating upon vanity. The
second part helps expound the first. The reason the nations are raging is because they are setting their hearts upon
vanities.
The powerful word I see here is that violent term, "rage". Can't you see that face of rage now? Red and bulging with
insanity of the eyes, uncontrollable anger. From God's position, to see such a response to Him, who is just and
kind, holy and righteous, seeking our good, surely you might perceive the question, "Why?". Nevertheless, this is
the response we are seeing all around us these days to the words of scripture. Men and nations are enraged at
words of rebuke to any ungodliness they should choose to pursue. Just look at the "Gay Pride Day" celebrated by
the Sodomite communities. They "proudly" display their licentiousness and truly "rage" at the little old lady
who walks the sidewalk passing out Bibles. I have actually heard of such an old lady who said nothing of
condemnation, just passed out Bibles at one of these parades. The Sodomites, promoted their values unmolested
while the old lady was arrested. Can't we see the very raging wondered at here?
The vanities imagined are such as man deciding his own laws and code of ethics. He decides he will be accountable
to no one and will ultimately be his own god. That is why he rages at the true God who challenges his wickedness.
He cannot tolerate anyone, even his Creator, from standing in his way.
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 bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Verse 2 takes us to a view of the governing authorities of these nations. We see a league of all the leadership
working jointly in their common rebellion against God. Like the common saying, "The enemy of my enemy, is my
friend". All mankind is at a quarrel with itself, but in the face of God, they will put aside those differences
to ally themselves against their greatest hatred God.
This union of nations is against two named "Persons". They officially unite against "the Lord", which is the name
for "Yahweh", and "the anointed", which is "the Messiah".
This worldly league is for one point, to break free of accountability to God. They are for complete separation of
"God and State". They wholeheartedly believe that is the "right" way. They proudly proclaim the right to
self-government, with no accountability to their Creator. Their hatred is firmly aimed at the true God and His
Son Jesus Christ.
God's Wrathful
Response
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
The nations, who are limited to earth, are viewed by Him who inhabits the heavens.
"The Lord" here is the word for "Lord", not the name of God. This title denotes authority. The nations scorn the
authority of God, but He looks on in disbelief at their audacity. Who do men perceive themselves to be, that they
would unite against the Creator of the Universe?
We see God "shall laugh". Stop and think about it for a minute. How utterly foolish for those who can't even
control the weather to think of overthrowing the Creator and Sustainer of all creation. That is truly most laughable.
To have in "derision" is "to mock and to deride". God goes from laughing at their incredible arrogance to scorning
their vile, wicked pride of rebellion. Remember, this isn't just Israel God is addressing. God is holding ALL
nations accountable. If such were not the case, God wouldn't have been able to tell Israel to go in to possess
the promised land at the expense of the wicked inhabitants. God spoke in Numbers chapter 18 of a list of
incredible perversions and wickedness for which He sentenced them to extinction. God did not require ceremonial
purification types of the nations, but He did require moral standards of justice. God didn't command their
execution for eating clam chowder, but He did for adultery. For a view of this see Leviticus 18:1-30 and 20:1-23
(esp. note 18:24-30 and 20:23).
Verse 5 sees God turning in response. His response isn't one of, "I understand your attitudes, you are weak in
your faith". God's response is plain and simple anger. In God's clear decree, there is no excuse for rebellion.
The issue isn't one of weak faith, it is in truth, rebellion against the laws of God that are planted in the
conscience of all, at least initially.
The part, "vex them in his sore displeasure" can be translated as, "and terrify them in His wrath". God isn't
going to just send little irritations. His response will be that of bringing terror.
God's Kingdom Will Be Established
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
God speaks in the first person to the rebellious nations. His statement is a declaration of the continued headship
of His kingdom over this world. He tells us He has Someone whom He has appointed to the throne. He will rule
heaven's decrees on this earth.
It is important to note the tenses used here. God doesn't say He will set up His King. He tells us, He has.
The word translated "decree" is almost always translated as "statute" in the King James Bible. It is a singular
specific utterance of a law. What follows is a statement of law from the throne in heaven. "Yahweh", being the
"Lord" of verse 7, says to the person speaking, "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." Verse 7 is the
Lord Jesus Christ Himself speaking. He is declaring the conversation He held with the Father in heaven. This
conversation covered the counsels of this warfare to secure the Kingdom of heaven on earth. This act of war is
the Coronation of the King.
It is interesting to note that on earth, the kings are replaced by their sons. The heir to the throne is the son.
With human kings, there is generally the question of which son is the firstborn, for he will generally inherit
the crown. Verse 7 is showing us the Father's decree of Christ's holding this right to the Kingdom.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for
thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
In verses 8 and 9, we continue reading the words of the Father to the Son, as relayed by the Son. God, the Father,
promises upon request of the Son, to give the nations for His own possession. The second part of verse 8 makes it
very clear that every bit of the earth is to be under the submission to God's throne. No nation is a forgotten
island, before God.
Verse 9 pictures the power of His reign in subjugation of all the nations. When Christ returns, He will establish
such a rule in the Millenium. First, He will have military conquest over the nations at Armaggedon. The rebelling
nations, who gather to fight against Christ, will be broken to pieces like a smashed piece of pottery. After that,
He will reign for a thousand years with a rod of iron from His throne on Mt. Zion, which is Jerusalem.
TERMS:
Unconditional Surrender
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are
all they that put their trust in him.
These final three verses turn from the promise of the Father to the Son, to addressing the nations. Seeing the
decree of the Kingdom, the leaders of this earth are again specifically addressed. God is giving them A CHANCE!
They still have the opportunity to repent and surrender. They can flee their folly and turn to the path of wisdom
and instruction. The simple instruction is that of the final two verses.
The very first item is, "Serve in the fear of the Lord!" Oh remember that long forgotten place of office, the public
servant. The leaders have gone from that position, to serve neither the people nor "Yahweh". God's demand is for the
rulers to serve Him in the fear of Him. In doing so, they will do justly, for they will fear God's wrath upon their
negligence of office.
The "rejoice with trembling" cuts to the nature of God's throne. The reign of God will be strong against all wicked
doers, but His reign is not one of tyranny. One can never rejoice under tyranny. His reign is one of righteousness
and justice. Only under such a government, will there be a state of rejoicing with trembling.
Though we are still awaiting the coming of the Lord, and the day of His wrath, we are still living in the time of
God's condemnation of the wickedness of the governments. It is their wickedness NOW that God is calling to repentance
in verse 10.
Kissing was a sign of homage paid in the worship of idols. The earth has its false gods. They will not stand in the
way of living on in rebellion against the true God. The governments will easily kiss the feet of the idols of their
iniquity. Such kisses will only lead to the wrath of God on those who will not kiss the Son. They may pray to a god,
but what about the specific "Yahweh" who has sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Currently, they find Him
offensive. Ministers in the US armed services are forbidden by law to pray in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Muslims, Hindus or even Wiccans may freely pray in whatever names they choose. Christ Jesus is beholding
these rebellions against His throne and will require it in His wrath.
Right now, there is the opportunity to turn and bow before the Son. Yes, He does get angry! Jesus will not always
be the forgiving, loving, or tolerant King. He will act when the cup has reached to the fill and overflows in the
iniquity.
The final words are those of comfort. The part rendered, "put their trust in him", can also be translated, "seeking
refuge in Him". This particular wording draws out the aspect of the special protection that comes from entering
Christ. It draws out the sheltering provided by Christ from the wrath of God's judgment.
From the rendering of "put their trust in him", too many find this allows a counting upon Him, in our thinking, a
little like some insurance policy. The concept is different though, when we perceive the "refuge". In that wording,
we perceive the need for our taking to a place of shelter, such as a bomb shelter. We cannot leave that shelter and
hope for protection. We may have bought and constructed a wonderful bomb shelter. Made of the finest materials and
all stocked up, but what use will it be to us if we aren't found there when the bomb is dropped? It is in this
place of abiding that the blessing is found.
The Impact This Has Upon Us
We are talking "world-view" here folks. We have all been acclimatized by our cultures. We tend to look at all
things in the context of what we have been taught. We are generally unaware of how our world-views are formed
and guide how we respond to society. There is so much foundation work, upon which we make our judgments, that
we are often unable to understand and perceive truth, though it is set glaringly in front of us. That is why we
need to read and understand the Psalms. They have the ability of reestablishing us in the Biblical world-view.
Unfortunately, many have received thorough teaching in some particular "denominational" package. They have received
many subtle twisting of various New Testament passages. They have been, in a sense, "inoculated" from being able
to see the true meaning of the passages. There is so much conditioning, that it is an almost impossible task to
help some see their way out of the darkness. The Psalms have been largely ignored, except for some comfort aspects.
People can read the Psalms more easily from a fresh, unbiased perspective. They can begin to see things from a
truly God-fearing perspective.
For example: Those of us in the United States are so used to the outcry of, "separation of church and state".
Though that term is reasonably defended as not being in the Constitution (being from a letter of Thomas Jefferson
near the end of his life), it is a pervading "American" view that clouds our Biblical world-view. From this we read
our Bibles in complete ignorance of the fact we are not reading it like it was written by the writers. They never
even imagined a world where any government had the right to govern according to its whims. They knew nations did
such, and that God called them into judgment. Church and state separation can never mean God and state independence.
Biblically, that is a false doctrine.
My hope is that we will seriously consider the clouding we've been subject to and cry unto the LORD to open our eyes
in the reading of His Word. If some passage seems objectionable, we need to resist the temptation of trying to explain
it away. We need to cry to God to open our eyes to understand and see from His perspective. Hopefully, Psalm 2 will
have begun that eye opening experience that will blossom into the truly liberating knowledge His Word gives.
Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen.
All Government Is Responsible To True Christianity
For further study on this, the following is a list of Psalms, or verses in the Psalms, that show governments,
and all mankind, are responsible to true Christianity. It covers many issues that reflect upon this, such as
Psalm 50:10,11, which tells us God is the owner of all wild animals, not governments, as some governments claim.
(Psalm 9:19,20; 11; 33; 37; 46; 47; 50:10,11; 53*; 62:10-12; 63:11; 64:10; 71:16; 73:26,27; 83:17,18; 91:4-10;
94*; 96*; 97*; 98*; 100*; 102:19-22; 103:19; 109*; 110:5-7 [Accountability to God. He created all, He has the
right to impose His requirements]; 111* [No excuse of inability to know, the righteous seek Him and He has
revealed Himself.]; 119:126-128 [If you hate every false way, what are its implications?]; 139:19-24; 140:11,12; 145; 146)
On the cover of this article in the tract form, you will find a picture of "Valiant-for-Truth". He was a character in the sequel to
"Pilgrim's Progress". The book that took up where "Christian's" wife decided to follow in the faith. There was this
Mr. Valiant-for-Truth who emulated the wonderful character of being a ready warrior for the truth of God.
In these days of a plethora of lies, we need to take our stand to be valiant for the truth. We must stand upon the
truth of God's Word, even when the world, which includes a lot of religious people, tries to derail us with
philosophies that justify independence from the demands of God. We must remain firm to forming our world-views,
and witnessing for Him, based upon Scripture's clear instructions of truth.
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 Free to Copy under Creative Commons BY-NC-ND3.0 License by Darrell Farkas
All quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible
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