Psalm 2:11

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 2:10-12

We have here the practical application of this gospel doctrine concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, by way of exhortation to the kings and judges of the earth. They hear that it is in vain to oppose Christ's government; let them therefore be so wise for themselves as to submit to it. He that has power to destroy them shows that he has no pleasure in their destruction, for he puts them into a way to make themselves happy, Ps. 2:10. Those that would be wise must be instructed; and those are... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 2:11

Serve the Lord with fear ,.... Not the creature, neither more, nor besides, nor with the Creator; God and mammon cannot both be served; nor any fictitious and nominal deities, the idols of the Gentiles, who are not gods by nature; but the true Jehovah, the one and only Lord God, he only is to be worshipped and served, even Father, Son, and Spirit. Here it may be understood either of the Lord Christ, the Son of God, who is to be served by the kings and judges of the earth, he being King of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 2:11

Serve the Lord with fear - A general direction to all men. Fear God with that reverence which is due to his supreme majesty. Serve him as subjects should their sovereign, and as servants should their master. Rejoice with trembling - If ye serve God aright, ye cannot but be happy; but let a continual filial fear moderate all your joys. Ye must all stand at last before the judgment-seat of God; watch, pray, believe, work, and keep humble. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:1-12

The psalm is certainly Messianic. It is assumed to be so in Acts 4:25 ; Acts 13:33 ; Hebrews 1:5 ; Hebrews 5:5 . However it may, to a certain extent, apply to David, David cannot exhaust its allusions. Hebrews 5:7 , Hebrews 5:8 , and Hebrews 5:12 are inapplicable to David, and must refer to the Messiah. The Jews admitted the Messianic character of the psalm, until driven into denial by the controversy with Christians. Most modern critics allow it. There is a certain... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:1-12

The King in Zion: a Messianic psalm. A close examination of this psalm will show it to be at once prophetic and Messianic. Its date and author are not certainly known. The style rather points to David as the probable writer. To him especially the promise of a King who should reign in righteousness formed part of that "everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure." By faith in that covenant he foresaw him, who, being emphatically the Just One, should rule in the fear of God (see 2... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:1-12

The heathen in three aspects. I. AS SLAVES OF SIN . The condition of peoples varies. Civilization was more advanced in Greece and Rome than in other parts of the world. But though there may be superiority in some respects, with regard to the highest things there is no difference ( Romans 3:9 ). What a terrible picture have we in this psalm of the crimes and violence and miseries that desolate the world, where "the lust of the eye, and the lust of the flesh, and the pride of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:1-12

The Divine King. This psalm is supposed by some to have been written about the time of the coronation of Solomon. The heathen might then be the subject nations outside of Palestine, which threatened rebellion at this time. The seventh verse is applied to Christ in Hebrews 1:1-14 . Let us use the psalm in this higher application of it to Christ. I. THE REBELLION OF THE WORLD AGAINST CHRIST . 1 . Is an unrighteous rebellion. Rebellion against evil powers is a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:11

Serve the Lord with fear . "If ye will not serve him ( i.e. honour and obey him) from love, do it from fear;" "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" ( Psalms 111:10 ). And rejoice. Do not be content with fear. Go on from fear to love, and so to joy. Good men "rejoice in God alway" ( Philippians 4:4 ). But such rejoicing must be with trembling; or, with reverence (Prayer-book Version), since no service is acceptable to God but such as is rendered "with reverence and godly... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 2:11

Serve the Lord with fear - With reverence, and with deep apprehensions of the consequences of not serving and obeying him. That is, serve him in not opposing, but in promoting his purpose of establishing a kingdom under the Messiah, with the deep apprehension that if you do not do it, he will arise and crush you in his wrath.And rejoice - Prof. Alexander renders this “shout,” and supposes that it refers to the customary recognition of a present sovereign. The word used - גיל gı̂yl - means... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 2:11

Psalms 2:11. Serve the Lord with fear That is, with reverence and an awful sense of his great and glorious majesty, rendering you careful and diligent to please him, and afraid to offend him. And rejoice Do not esteem his yoke your dishonour and grievance, but know that it is a greater glory and happiness to be the subjects of this King than to be the emperors of the greatest empire; and accordingly rejoice in it, and bless God for this inestimable grace and benefit; with trembling This... read more

Group of Brands