Psalms 2

His Anointed (Messiah)

Anointed — Hebrew Mashiach, Messiah; Greek Christos, Christ

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? Psalms 2:1–3

'His anointed' is the Hebrew word Messiah, which in Greek is Christ. The apostles taught that this was fulfilled when Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel gathered against Jesus.

• quoted by Acts 4:25-27 — Peter and John quote these verses and apply them to Herod and Pontius Pilate gathering against 'thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed.'
• fulfilled by Luke 23:12 — Pilate and Herod became friends the day they judged Jesus.

The King set upon Zion

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision. Psalms 2:4–6

The Father is not threatened by the plots of the world; He has already chosen His King and set Him on Zion. This points to Jesus Christ as King, who will reign from Zion at His Second Coming.

• fulfilled by Revelation 14:1 — A Lamb stood on the mount Sion with the 144,000.
• fulfilled by Luke 1:32-33 — The Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David; of His kingdom there shall be no end.

Son of God, begotten of the Father

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Psalms 2:7

The anointed King tells what the Father declared to Him: 'Thou art my Son.' The New Testament applies this to Jesus, the literal Son of God, and especially to His Resurrection, when the Father declared His Sonship with power.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by Acts 13:33 — Paul quotes it as fulfilled when God raised up Jesus again.
• quoted by Hebrews 1:5 — Quoted to show the Son is greater than the angels.
• quoted by Hebrews 5:5 — Christ did not glorify Himself to be High Priest; the Father said, Thou art my Son.
• alluded to by Matthew 3:17 — At Jesus's baptism the Father says, This is my beloved Son.

The Son's rule over the nations

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Psalms 2:8–9

The Father promises the Son the whole earth as His inheritance and power to rule it. Revelation applies this to Jesus Christ, who returns in glory and rules the nations with a rod of iron.

• quoted by Revelation 19:15 — The Word of God on the white horse shall rule the nations with a rod of iron.
• quoted by Revelation 12:5 — The man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron.
• quoted by Revelation 2:27 — Christ shares this rule with those who overcome, as He received of His Father.

The Son

Kiss the Son, 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. Psalms 2:12

Rulers are told to honor ('kiss') the Son in humble submission and loyalty. Everyone who trusts in Him is blessed; this is faith in Jesus Christ.

How we know: a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by John 3:36 — He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; the wrath of God abides on those who do not.
• alluded to by John 5:23 — All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.