Psalms 2:12 - Exposition

Kiss the Son . It is certainly remarkable that we have here a different word for "Son" from that employed in Psalms 2:7 , and ordinarily in the Hebrew Bible. Still, there is other evidence that the word here used, bar , existed in the Hebrew no less than in the Aramaic, viz. Proverbs 31:2 , where it is repeated thrice. It was probably an archaic and poetic word, like our "sire" for "father," rarely used, but, when used, intended to mark some special dignity. Hengstenberg suggests that the writer's motive in prefering bar to ben in this place was to avoid the cacophony which would have arisen from the juxtaposition of ben and pen ( פן ); and this is quite possible, but as a secondary rather than as the main reason. By " kiss the Son" we must understand "pay him homage," salute him as King in the customary way (see 1 Samuel 10:1 ). Lest he be angry . The omission of a customary token of respect is an insult which naturally augers the object of it ( Esther 3:5 ). And ye perish from the way ; or, as to the way. " To anger the Son is to bring destruction on our "way," or course in life. When his wrath is kindled but a little ; rather, for soon his wrath may be kindled (see the Revised Version). Blessed are all they that put their trust in him . The writer ends with words of blessing, to relieve the general severity of the psalm (comp. Psalms 3:8 ; Psalms 5:12 ; Psalms 28:9 ; Psalms 41:13 , etc.). (On the blessedness of trusting in God, see Psalms 34:8 ; Psalms 40:4 ; Psalms 84:12 , etc.)