Psalm 2:4, Proverbs 1:26

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 2:1-6

We have here a very great struggle about the kingdom of Christ, hell and heaven contesting it; the seat of the war is this earth, where Satan has long had a usurped kingdom and exercised dominion to such a degree that he has been called the prince of the power of the very air we breathe in and the god of the world we live in. He knows very well that, as the Messiah's kingdom rises and gets ground, his falls and loses ground; and therefore, though it will be set up certainly, it shall not be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 2:4

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh ,.... At the rage and tumult of the Heathen; at the vain imaginations of the people; at the opposition of the kings of the earth; at the mad counsel of the rulers, against him and his Messiah; and at their proposal to one another to throw off the yoke and government of them both. This is a periphrasis of God, "who dwells in the heavens", and sits there enthroned; though he is not included and comprehended in them, but is everywhere; and his being... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 2:4

He that sitteth in the heavens - Whose kingdom ruleth over all, and is above all might and power, human and diabolical. Shall laugh. Words spoken after the manner of men; shall utterly contemn their puny efforts; shall beat down their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 2:4

Verse 4 After David has told us of the tumult and commotions, the counsels and pride, the preparation and resources the strength and efforts of his enemies, in opposition to all these he places the power of God alone, which he concludes would be brought to bear against them, from their attempting to frustrate his decree. And, as a little before, by terming them kings of the earth, he expressed their feeble and perishable condition; so now, by the lofty title of He that dwelleth in heaven, he... 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 2:2-6

The false and the true in kingship. There is a silent contrast throughout this psalm between the "kings of earth" ( Psalms 2:2 ) and" my King" ( Psalms 2:6 ). I. THE FALSE IS CHARACTERIZED BY SELF - SEEKING ; THE TRUE BY SELF - SACRIFICE . The false begin and end with self. They act from and for "themselves" ( Psalms 2:2 ). The true have regard to others, and are always ready to subordinate and sacrifice themselves for the good of others. In the one case... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:4

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh . God "laughs" at the vain and futile efforts of man to escape from the control of his laws and throw off his dominion (comp. Psalms 37:13 ; Psalms 59:8 ). It is impossible that these efforts should succeed. Men must obey God willingly, or else unwillingly. The Lord (Adonay in the ordinary Hebrew text, but a large number of manuscripts have Jehovah) shall have them in derision. "Laughter" and "derision" are, of course, anthropo-morphisms. It... read more

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