10-12. kings . . . judges—For rulers generally (Psalms 148:11), who have been leaders in rebellion, should be examples of penitent submission, and with fear for His terrible judgments, mingled with trust in His mercy, acknowledge— read more
Psalms 2In this "second psalm" (Acts 13:33), one of the most frequently quoted in the New Testament, David (Acts 4:25) exhorted the pagan nations surrounding Israel to forsake their efforts to oppose the Lord and His anointed king. He urged them to submit to the authority of the Son whom God has ordained to rule them (cf. 2 Samuel 10). The first and second psalms were always united as one in the rabbinical traditions. [Note: See Peter C. Craigie, Psalms 1-50, p. 59.] This is a royal psalm and,... read more
David’s reference to the Lord’s decree declaring David "God’s son" goes back to the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:14). There the Lord described the relationship He would have with David and the kings that would succeed him as that of a father with a son. This communicated to David his legitimate right to rule over Israel. The figure connotes warm affection rather than simply a formal relationship. In the ancient world a king’s son usually succeeded his father on the throne. In Israel, God wanted... read more
3. The king’s declaration 2:7-9Psalms 2:6-7 are the climax of the psalm, the answer sought in Psalms 2:1-5 and expounded in Psalms 2:8-12. [Note: Kidner, p. 51.] read more
The Father invited His son, David, to ask for his inheritance. As the great universal King, God promised to give him all the nations of the earth for his inheritance (cf. Psalms 2:1). David personally never ruled the whole world, but David’s Son who would be completely faithful to His heavenly Father will do so someday (i.e., in the Millennium). read more
God will deal with all rebellious peoples severely when He sets up the Messiah on His throne. It was customary for the Egyptian Pharaoh to smash votive pottery jars that represented rebellious cities or nations with his scepter. [Note: Ross, p. 792.] Perhaps that practice was the source of the imagery used in this verse. "Rule" (NIV) really means "break" (Heb. ra’a’). The emphasis in this verse is on the putting down of rebels rather than the rule that will follow that subjugation. "Rod"... read more
In view of the inevitability of judgment for rebellion, David exhorted the nations to submit before the wrath of the great King led Him to smite them. The leaders of these nations would be wise to bow in submission not only to David, but, what is more important, to the King behind him in heaven. read more
4. The psalmist’s exhortation 2:10-12 read more
They should respond like the righteous by worshipping (serving), reverencing (fearing), rejoicing, and trembling before Him. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 2:9
9. His enemies shall be subject to His terrible power (Job 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:8), as His people to His grace (Psalms 110:2; Psalms 110:3). rod of iron—denotes severity (Revelation 2:27). a potter's vessel—when shivered cannot be mended, which will describe utter destruction. read more