#psalm 2

Why do the Heathen Rage?

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. — Psalm 2 | Authorized King James Version (AKJV) The Holy Bible: Authorized King James Version; Cambridge University Press, the Crown’s patentee in the UK. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 49:10; Deuteronomy 14:23; 1 Samuel 10:1; Psalm 5:7; Psalm 21:8-9; Psalm 37:13; Psalm 59:8; Psalm 76:7; Proverbs 8:15; Proverbs 27:11; Isaiah 45:9; Jeremiah 5:5; Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; John 1:41; Acts 4:25-26; Hebrews 1:2; Revelation 6:16-17; Revelation 2:26-27; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 11:18; Revelation 12:5; Revelation 14:1

Commentary on Psalm 2

Source: Swallow's Nest: A Feminine Reading of the Psalms

1 Why this raging of the nations and vain plotting by their people? 2 Their rulers defy God's will, and the leaders conspire together against Shaddai and Her beloved, saying, 3 "Let us disregard God's commands, and break Her bonds of justice." 4 She who lives in heaven laughs and derides their proud plots. 5 Her Word resounds against them in righteous anger, and Her fury at their injustice frightens them. 6 "I have chosen my own to rule," She says. "I will set them in places of power." 7 The decree of God is this: We are Her children, to whom She has given birth. 8 She promises that the nations will belong to us, and that the earth shall be ours to its farthest reaches. 9 In Her might we shall break the oppressive strength of the powerful; it will be dashed in pieces like a clay pot. 10 Therefore, O rulers, be wise and be warned! O leaders of the earth, 11 serve God with reverence. With trembling humility 12 kiss Her feet and bow to Her just demands, lest She be angry with you and you perish in your pride. For Her wrath is an instrument of justice. Blessed are all who take refuge in the strength of Shaddai!

Possible uses of this psalm according to Power of the Psalms by Anna Riva:

Choose your bias carefully

Psalm 24:1-2 – The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to Yahweh; for he laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers. At the culmination of the book of Job, after he has maintained his innocence and sought to stand blameless in the presence of Yahweh, Job is silenced while Yahweh justifies his position as the Creator of all. Job 38:4-7 – Where…

“Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling

kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;

for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Happy are all who take refuge in him.”