Psalms 2
DOYLYPsalms 2:2
- The kings of the earth &c.] The kings and governors of the surrounding nations conspire together to oppose the decrees of Providence, and to prevent David
in his wrath, and || vex them in his sore displeasure. † Or, trouble.
Psalms 2:3
- Let us &c.] Let us, say they, break asunder their fetters, and cast away from us their yoke. Dr. Kenni-cott.
Psalms 2:5
- — shall not stand in the judgment.] That is, shall not carry their cause, but in the issue of things shall come off defeated and condemned by God and the world, Mudge. Or, shall not be able to justify themselves, or endure the wrath of the Almighty at the last day. S. Clarke.
5, 6. Then shall he speak &c.] Their impious opposition will raise his just indignation, as if He had actually spoken to them from heaven, and said, Notwithstanding all your vain attempts, I have anointed David to be king over my people Israel; as in future times I will anoint one of his posterity to sit at my right hand upon the throne of glory. Bp. Patrick, Travell.
Psalms 2:6
- — knoweth the way] Meaning, approveth the way. Dimock.
This Psalm, like the sermon on the mount, opens with a “beatitude” for our comfort and encouragement, directing us immediately to that happiness, which all mankind in different ways are seeking after. He who hath once brought himself to “delight” in the Scriptures, will find no temptation to exchange that pleasure for any which the world or the flesh can offer him. Such an one will make the oracles of God his companions by day and by night. He will have recourse to them for direction, in the bright and cheerful hours of prosperity; to them he will apply for comfort in the dark and dreary seasons of adversity. And by continual meditation in the sacred writings, he will as naturally improve and advance in holiness, as a tree thrives and flourishes in a kindly and well-watered soil. Bp. Horne.
Psalm II. This Psalm may be supposed to relate, in the first place, to David, whom God established upon the throne of Israel, notwithstanding the opposition of his enemies. It contains also an illustrious prophecy of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, which, in spite of every attempt, both of Jews and Gentiles, God has wonderfully established, even to the utmost parts of the earth. It is appointed to be read on Easter-day, when our Lord, by his resurrection, took possession of this glorious kingdom. Travell, Bp. Patrick. The sole application of the illustrious prophecy contained in this Psalm to the Messiah was the unquestionable doctrine of the primitive Jewish church. Dr. Hales.
Ver. 1. Why do the heathen &c.] That is, Why do the Jews and Heathens combine together to attempt, what they will never be able to accomplish? Travell.
Psalms 2:7
- — Thou art my Son; &c.] These words are eminently true of Jesus the Messiah in a prophecent sense, who was invested with the royal office, when He was raised from the dead, and exalted at God’s right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour. Rom. 1. 3; Acts xiii. 33. Green.
Psalms 2:12
- Kiss the Son,] To “kiss” a person when appointed king, was among the Eastern people an act of homage. Thus Samuel, when he had anointed Saul king, “kissed him,” that is, acknowledged him for his sovereign, 1 Sam. x. 1. Green. See the note on Gen. xli. 40.
“Kiss the Son,” that is, submit to Him, worship and love Him; “lest he be angry,” lest He turn that grace and favour which He has offered you into heavy displeasure, “and ye perish in the way,” ye be suddenly cut off in the midst of your counsels. S. Clarke.
The confidence which David manifests in this Psalm, shews, in general, that attempts against the designs of God are vain; and that nothing can hurt those whom He loves, and has promised to bless. But the application which the Apostles make to our Lord of these words, “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee,” engages us more especially to consider this Psalm as it relates to the kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, which has been established in the world, in spite of all opposition from kings and the great men of the earth, and will subsist for ever. And since this kingdom is established among us, and we have the hap-
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