USB ~ Psalms 2

2 | USCCB

A Psalm for a Royal Coronation

1 Why do the nations protest and the peoples conspire in vain? a

2 Kings on earth rise up and princes plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one:† b

3 “Let us break their shackles and cast off their chains from us!” c

4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord derides them, d

5 Then he speaks to them in his anger, in his wrath he terrifies them:

6 “I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD, he said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. e

8 Ask it of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and, as your possession, the ends of the earth.

9 With an iron rod you will shepherd them, like a potter’s vessel you will shatter them.” f

10 And now, kings, give heed; take warning, judges on earth.

11 Serve the LORD with fear; exult with trembling, Accept correction lest he become angry and you perish along the way when his anger suddenly blazes up. g Blessed are all who take refuge in him!

Footnotes

†. Psalm 2 A royal Psalm. To rebellious kings (Ps 2:1-3) God responds vigorously (Ps 2:4-6). A speaker proclaims the divine decree (in the legal adoption language of the day), making the Israelite king the earthly representative of God (Ps 2:7-9) and warning kings to obey (Ps 2:10-11). The Psalm has a messianic meaning for the Church; the New Testament understands it of Christ (Acts 4:25-27; 13:33; Heb 1:5).

†. 2:2 Anointed: in Hebrew mashiah, “anointed”; in Greek christos, whence English Messiah and Christ. In Israel kings (Jgs 9:8; 1 Sm 9:16; 16:12-13) and high priests (Lv 8:12; Nm 3:3) received the power of their office through anointing.

2:1 Rev 11:18.
2:2 Ps 83:6.
2:3 Ps 149:8.
2:4 Ps 37:13; 59:9; Wis 4:18.
2:7 Ps 89:27; 110:2-3; Is 49:1.
2:9 Rev 2:27; 12:5; 19:15.
2:11 Ps 34:9; 146:5; Prv 16:20.