Psalm 2 Meaning Verse By Verse

Last Updated on September 22, 2021 by Pastor Ikechukwu Chinedum

Today we will be exploring the book of Psalm 2 meaning verse by verse. Like many Psalms, the theme of Psalm 2 progressively shines its poetic spotlight on the rebellion of mankind against God. It’s either we disobey God and perish, or obey Him and be blessed richly. This psalm is termed “royal” and is related to Jesus Christ.  As such, it moves from the lesser David through to the Greater David, Jesus Christ. who will restore Israel to its former glory and bring peace to the world?

PSALM 2 MEANING VERSE BY VERSE

Verse 1:- Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Usually, according to ungodly people, it is believed that when it comes to settling issues, the fight is the only remedy.  This Scripture brings to mind the way it will be just before the return of the Lord. Men’s hearts will fail them, for fear of things that are coming upon the earth. Heathens described here are those who have rejected Jesus Christ as Savior.

Verse 2:- The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

The nations and people in it, led by their kings and rulers, continue to direct their hostility toward the Lord and He anointed one. They believe that when two or more men are united against God, they have a better chance against God than one man set against God.

Verse 3:- Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

Those who rebel against God the LORD and His Anointed think of God as a bondage-bringer instead of understanding that these are God’s love-bonds. i.e. He is a bondage breaker. This chapter of Psalms is a prophetic chapter. God has given us a free will to serve Him or to turn against Him. However, the ungodly leaders have chosen to turn against Him with their ungodly subjects. They practice immoralities such as Pornography, filthy books and movies, homosexuality, lesbianism, incest, drugs, and alcohol.

Verse 4:-He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

God laughs at the very idea that people think they can come against His will. The thought of a mere human being coming against the Father or His Son is absurd. All of man’s power is as nothing with Almighty God. Even the next breath that we take, is by permission from Almighty God. To have them in derision means He would laugh them to scorn. This is one thing God will not forgive.

Verse 5:- Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Then”: After mocking them with the laughter of pure contempt, God will speak and act from His flawlessly balanced anger. Then it will be too late to repent. Only those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved from the wrath to come. The word vex in this instance, means to flinch. It would certainly be the time to tremble when God spoke to the children of Israel on the mountain,  they were so frightened that they begged Moses to talk to God. Think how unbelievably frightening the voice of God would be if He were angry.

Verse 6:- Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Following that, His king will be enthroned on Jerusalem’s most distinguished hill. That is Jesus Christ, he will be the Lord of lords and King of kings. God puts whoever He wants in authority, anytime He wants to. No power on earth can keep Him from doing what He wishes. Zion is symbolic of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Verse 7:- I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

“This day have I begotten thee” expresses the privileges of relationship, with His Son, Messiah. with reference to the birth of Jesus and also to His resurrection as the earthly affirmations. There has never been a moment when Christ was not the Son of God. On many occasions during His ministry on earth, the Sonship of Christ was particularly emphasized, in the Incarnation, Baptism and even in the Resurrection. All these occasions did not make Christ the Son of God but only proved that He already was. This leaves absolutely no doubt at all that this is speaking of the Lord Jesus.

Verse 8:- Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

We see in this, the power and authority that Jesus has. All of the natives of the earth have been bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. A very small part of the heathen was the inheritance of David, and therefore the Messiah only can be spoken of in this verse. The LORD’s Anointed will hold the nations as His inheritance. He will rule over all nations and all judgment is dedicated to Him.

Verse 9:- Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

 Here, the supreme sovereignty of “the King of kings” is pictured in its subjection might. “Rod of iron” is the scepter that represents kingship, iron being symbolic of strength. While the phrase “dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel” illustrates the power of the king over the nations. Those who do not do the will of God will be destroyed. His rule will be absolute.

Verse 10:- Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

He, therefore, advised Kings and rulers to act prudently and with discretion through referencing God and submitting to His authority.

Verse 11:-Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

All mankind, whether kings or judges, or presidents, or any other holders of high office on earth must surrender to Almighty God. To fear God is the only fear we are to have. This fear is more of a reverence. When we fear Him enough to serve Him, there will be rejoicing in heaven that will come with the assurance that we are saved.

Verse 12:- Kiss the Son, lest he is 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.

This symbolic act would indicate allegiance and submission. To kiss the Son is an acceptance of Him for who He is. Abraham had faith, and his faith was counted as righteousness.  Also without faith, it is impossible to please God. There is only one Way to everlasting life, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. As a believer, who has been acting in faith, will get to the point of resting in Jesus. This can only be attained by trusting the Lord in every aspect of their lives. To trust means, to have absolute confidence in God

WHEN DO I NEED TO USE THIS PSALM?

Having established the meaning of this psalm, it is important to know when to use it. Here a few times where the psalm can serve a purpose for you:

-When  total submission to God and paying allegiance to him is all you need

-When enemies conspire against you and you want God’s protection and safety

–When you need to accept God as a savior who rescued you from the enemies

-When you reassurance that you are part of the eternal family that will rise with God.

PSALM 2 PRAYERS:

If you are in any of the situations listed above or more, then these powerful psalm 2 prayers are for you

# Lord, I acknowledge my sins (you can mention them) and I ask that you cleanse me completely from my sins in Jesus’ name.

# Grant me the strength to be steadfast in your worship

# Dear lord, every evil agenda of the rulers operating in my life be revoked now in Jesus   name

# Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son, Jesus to save the world. I accept you as my Lord and personal savior. Let me reign with you.