"Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him."
Psalm 2
In the third stanza of the Psalm (7-9) the enthronement of the Son is described, with its far-reaching implications. We should certainly think of New Testament teaching in this regard, especially such passages as Philippians 2:9ff, where Paul speaks of Christ be- ing given a name which is above every name. The words in 8, 'Ask of Me...' are very wonderful. Not only is the assurance of the extension of His kingdom throughout the world in view, through the preaching of the gospel, but also the coming of the kingdom in power through the coming of the King. This is the real hope - and the only hope - of a true solution to the world's ills. The Bible teaches - and the church believes - that Christ shall come again the second time, to judge the world in righteousness and put down all his enemies. That is why we must not put our trust, or pin our hopes, on the United Nations, or on any other movement, political or otherwise, least of all on those led by men who themselves have rebelled against God and ignored His holy laws - but alone on the return of the King. We look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.
The final stanza (10-12) is an appeal by the Psalmist, in the light of the enthroned King and the coming judgment, that men should be wise and humble themselves before God, before the rod of His anger reaches them. It is a call to repentance, to delay no longer, in face of the situation as it really is, and to turn in obedience and submission to God. This is the biblical message for the turmoil of our world, to nations and to men alike. The Psalm closes with a beautiful assurance: ‘Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him’. The word 'trust' here means 'take refuge in', and this is perhaps the best word in view of the turmoil and dreads of our frightening world. God is a refuge for all who will come to Him.