Psalms 2:1-10

Psalms 2:1. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

This was what they did when they took the Lord of life and glory, dragged him to the judgment seat, and then nailed him to the accursed tree. «This is the heir,» said they, «let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.» They thought that they had destroyed the power of Christ, the appointed and anointed King, and that he would never reign among the sons of men.

Psalms 2:4. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

God might well laugh at their folly, for they were really executing his will all the while they were rebelling against him. They were really laying the foundation stones of his mediatorial throne in fair colors, and cementing them with his own most precious blood, for it was by his cross that he climbed to his crown. Well did Peter say to the Jews, on the day of Pentecost, «Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and fore knowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.»

Psalms 2:5. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

In the resurrection, God lifted up the head of Christ above all the sons of men, and made them see that all their craft and cruelty had been displayed in vain.

Psalms 2:7. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

The risen Christ is pleading, and pleading successfully, before the throne of God on high; and his plea is that the heathen may be given to him for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession.

Psalms 2:9. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

He does this even now in the working of his providence; but he will do it still more manifestly at the second advent, when Christ will not allow the kings of the earth any longer to set themselves against him, but he will finally destroy their power, and prove himself to be the King of kings and Lord of lords even here below.

Psalms 2:10. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son,-

That is the Lord Jesus Christ: «Kiss the Son,»-

Psalms 2:12. Lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

This exposition consisted of readings from Psalms 2:1, and 110.