Theme

Pledge yourself, body and soul, to the only King who can keep you safe.

Text

1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
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 burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the scariest thing about being a Christian?
2. What are some of the different “perspectives” in this psalm? Why do you think the psalm gives us these different perspectives?
3. How would you answer the somewhat rhetorical question in v. 1? Consider v. 2 in your response, as well as other relevant Scripture.
4. When was Jesus “begotten” (hint: there are two answers). Consider how verse 7 is taken up in the NT (see below).
5. How can the kingship of Jesus be a warning for the sinful nations? How might it be a comfort, even an invitation?
6. What is the command of v. 11? How can you follow this command today?
7. The end of Psalm 2 parallels the beginning of Psalm 1. How might these “bookends” help summarize the themes of these psalms, the whole Psalter, and the Gospel in general?

Some New Testament Cross-References (bold = citation)

2:1 | Acts 4:25, 26

2:2 | Matt. 11:28, 29

2:5 | Rev. 6:16, 17

2:7 | Acts 13:33; Rom. 1:4; Heb. 1:5; 5:5; see also Jn. 1:18 & 3:16 (NASB)

2:9 | Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15

2:11 | Phil. 2:12; 4:4; Heb. 12:28

2:12 | 2 Thes. 1:5–10