Introduction

This Psalm is looking forward to the reign of the LORD's Anointed (Jesus) who will be a righteous King over all the earth.

Verses
1Why do the nations rage,
and the peoples plot a vain thing?
2The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD, and against his Anointed, saying,
3“Let’s break their bonds apart,
and cast their cords from us.”
4He who sits in the heavens will laugh.
The Lord will have them in derision.
5Then he will speak to them in his anger,
and terrify them in his wrath:
6“Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”
7I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my son.
Today I have become your father.
8Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance,
the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
9You shall break them with a rod of iron.
You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10Now therefore be wise, you kings.
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way,
for his wrath will soon be kindled.
Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Questions

1. What do the kings of the earth do and say?

v 2 and 3 The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD, and against his Anointed, saying,
“Let’s break their bonds apart,
and cast their cords from us.”

2. What will the Lord do in response?

v 4 and 5 ... The Lord will have them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his anger,
and terrify them in his wrath:

3. What does the LORD say to his King:

v 8 and 9 Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance,
the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron.
You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

Summary Points

  • v 1 to 3 The nations are gathering together to rebel against the LORD and his Anointed
  • v 4 to 6 The LORD will defy them and put his King in Zion (part of Jerusalem)
  • v 7 to 9 Rebellious people will be powerless against his rule
  • v 10 to 12 Nations are advised to serve God and his Son or they will perish

 Timeline 1050 BC

The audio version uses Yahweh instead of LORD. This reflects the original hebrew language.

Audio