> [[psalm-01|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-03|Next →]] --- # Psalm 2 ## A Psalm for a Royal Coronation 1 Why do the nations protest ^psalm-02-1 and the peoples conspire in vain? 2 Kings on earth rise up ^psalm-02-2 and princes plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one: 3 “Let us break their shackles ^psalm-02-3 and cast off their chains from us!” 4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs; ^psalm-02-4 the Lord derides them, 5 Then he speaks to them in his anger, ^psalm-02-5 in his wrath he terrifies them: 6 “I myself have installed my king ^psalm-02-6 on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD, ^psalm-02-7 he said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask it of me, ^psalm-02-8 and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and, as your possession, the ends of the earth. 9 With an iron rod you will shepherd them, ^psalm-02-9 like a potter’s vessel you will shatter them.” 10 And now, kings, give heed; ^psalm-02-10 take warning, judges on earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear; ^psalm-02-11 exult with trembling, Accept correction lest he become angry and you perish along the way when his anger suddenly blazes up. Blessed are all who take refuge in him! \* (Psalm 2) A royal Psalm. To rebellious kings (([[psalm-02|Ps 2]]:1] – [3]) God responds vigorously (([[psalm-02|Ps 2]]:4] – [6]). A speaker proclaims the divine decree (in the legal adoption language of the day), making the Israelite king the earthly representative of God (([[psalm-02|Ps 2]]:7] – [9]) and warning kings to obey (([[psalm-02|Ps 2]]:10] – [11]). The Psalm has a messianic meaning for the Church; the New Testament understands it of Christ ([.[[acts-of-the-apostles-04|Acts 4]]:25] – [27]; [13:33]; [Heb 1:5]). \* (2:2) Anointed: in Hebrew *mashiah*, “anointed”; in Greek *christos*, whence English Messiah and Christ. In Israel kings ([Jgs 9:8]; [1 Sm 9:16]; [16:12] – [13]) and high priests ([Lv 8:12]; [Nm 3:3]) received the power of their office through anointing. a. (2:1) [Rv 11:18]. b. (2:2) [Ps 83:6]. c. (2:3) [Ps 149:8]. d. (2:4) [Ps 37:13]; [59:9]; ([[wisdom-04|Wis 4]]:18]. e. (2:7) [Ps 89:27]; [110:2] – [3]; [Is 49:1]. f. (2:9) ([[revelation-02|Rv 2]]:27]; [12:5]; [19:15]. g. (2:11) [Ps 34:9]; [146:5]; [Prv 16:20]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-01|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-03|Next →]]