Psalms 2 - Introduction

A.M. 2957. B.C. 1047.

“This Psalm,” says Bishop Patrick, “under the history of David, contains a most illustrious prophecy of the kingdom of Christ; whom God raised even from the dead, made the King of glory, and, notwithstanding all that the scribes and Pharisees, Herod and other princes, could do to hinder it, enlarged his kingdom to the uttermost parts of the earth.” That David might here speak with reference to his own advancement to, and settlement in, the throne of Judah and Israel, or at least might allude thereto, is very probable: but that “a greater than David is here,” appears, not only from the strength of the expressions, which are more properly applicable to the Messiah than to David; but also from the citations made from this Psalm in the New Testament, and from the consent of the ancient Hebrew writers, who unanimously expounded it of the Messiah, as is confessed by their own brethren, particularly by Rabbi Solomon Jarchi upon the place; who has this remarkable passage, “Our doctors expounded this Psalm of King Messiah; but that we may answer the heretics, (meaning the Christians,) it is expedient to interpret it of David's person.” As we are not influenced by any such unreasonable and unscriptural prejudices as those which blind the minds of the modern Jews, we shall find no difficulty therefore in discerning and acknowledging, that under the emblem of the kingdom of David, which, although of divine appointment, met with much opposition, but prevailed at last, the Holy Ghost here foretels the opposition that should be raised by Jews and Gentiles against the kingdom of the Messiah, Psalms 2:1. The defeating and punishing of that opposition, Psalms 2:4; Psalms 2:5. The setting up and confirming of Christ's kingdom, notwithstanding that opposition, Psalms 2:6; Psalms 2:7. Promises the enlargement and success of that kingdom, Psalms 2:8; Psalms 2:9. Invites and exhorts kings and princes to yield themselves the willing subjects of it, Psalms 2:10. As David was the author of this Psalm, (see Acts 4:25,) so it is evident he must have written it after the translation of the ark to mount Sion, because it expressly terms that mount, the hill of God's holiness, Psalms 2:6; which name could not belong to it till God had chosen it for the residence of the ark. And it is probable it was also composed after the message he received from God by Nathan, of the perpetual establishment of his house, his throne, and kingdom, (2 Samuel 7:1, &c.,) because he makes particular mention of God's determined purpose with respect to this, Psalms 2:7.