Psalm 2: Orphaned Book End #2

Psalm 2

(1) Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
(2) The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
(3) "Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles."

(4) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
(5) He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
(6) "I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain."
(7) I will proclaim the LORD's decree: He said to me, "You are my son; today I have become your father.
(8) Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
(9) You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

(10) Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
(11) Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
(12) Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 2 is titled, The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom (NKJV); The Reign of the LORD’s Anointed (ESV); and simply, God’s Chosen King in the International Children’s Bible.

This poor little orphaned psalm, what do you mean? Who wrote you? Why were you significant in ancient Israel?

In Acts 4, Luke quotes Peter and John:

You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant David: "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and his anointed one."
Acts 4:25-26

Through Jewish tradition and therefore what Luke, Peter, and John were taught growing up, they knew that this psalm was written by king David. And even more than that, that these words that were spoken to king David by the Father Himself. “You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant David.”

During the time that Luke was writing this particular chapter in Acts, the disciples- Peter and John- were in Jerusalem and had just been released from prison for ticking of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling counsel) again. Apparently, talking about Jesus and healing in His Name was a way to get yourself thrown into prison during those days. The Sanhedrin were not happy and would not stand for it, because every time that Peter and John spoke, people believed and gave their hearts to Jesus.

Oh, that when we speak, people would believe. But unfortunately, when I speak it usually falls on deaf ears, or seems to. The socks remain on the floor and the dogs still need to go out.

But in all truth, my friends, we do not know the impact that our words have on those around us. So speak today. Speak about Jesus: to your spouse, to your children, to your mom, to your neighbor. Don’t miss a chance. Speak.

Bible scholars call this a “Royal Psalm,” meaning it was composed and probably read, sung, or recited at the coronation of kings. Which makes sense if you read it again.

“His anointed” means that God has chosen and set this king in a place of ruling and of power over His people. The reference to “father” and “son” was a reference to God the Father and His anointed king of “son.”

This psalm, as Peter and John attested to in Acts 4, also relates to Jesus.

"Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and his anointed one.'"

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 4:24-31

Jesus is God’s anointed one, His Son, and Savior of this world. Of you and of me. David lived 1000 years before Jesus. He did not know this Royal Psalm pertained to the Messiah. But Psalm 2 spoke of God’s anointed king over His people, and of His Son as ruler over all throughout time.

Let’s just stop on verse 4 for a second.

The One who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.
Psalm 2:4 New Living Translation

Can you imagine our God laughing as He sits on His throne? He is not pacing and worrying, nor is He full of fear and uncertainty. It says He’s laughing from His throne. What a sight that must be. A terrifying sight for those He laughs at. A comforting sight for those who stand behind Him in safety.

Oh, sweet friends, laugh in the face of troubles today.

Laugh at your worry.

Laugh at that Algebra unit that is stumping you because things were just not taught that way when you were a kid.

Laugh at the pile of laundry that only grows and spreads.

Laugh today.

We don’t laugh because it’s funny. We laugh because we do not walk this road alone. God is our strength. We laugh because our Lord is enthroned in heaven. We laugh because it all fits together in God’s mighty plan.

And speak it. Tell of it. Give the reason for your joy, your hope, your laughter.

In the Old Testament the Lord, through Moses, said,

Fix these words of mine on your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20

Finally, take refuge in Him and His goodness and faithfulness. He has always been faithful. He was faithful to the kings of ancient Israel. He has proven Himself.

He is faithful today.

He will be faithful tomorrow.

“Take refuge in” this promise.

To take refuge in- to seek protection or shelter from some source of danger or hardship; to hide in something; to seek safety or comfort in something. (freedictionary.com)

Blessed, consecrated, set apart, and holy are all who take refuge in Him.

My friends, take refuge in the Lord, seek safety and comfort in His goodness and faithfulness.

Father in heaven, we are your beloved children. We are not warrior kings of old, but we are still your chosen ones. You put us into our homes to teach our children, to love and encourage our spouses, to help those in need around us. You chose us not because we are strong enough, but because you are. Father, as we seek refuge and comfort and safety in your Word, in your faithfulness and goodness, fill us with the energy and the love and the joy and the peace that only comes from you. Fill us with the wisdom, desire, and the words to speak it today. Amen.

Heidi xoxo