Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 2
"Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, [saying], Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision. Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure: Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion." — Psalms 2:1-6 (ASV)
Here we are told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. Since this world is the kingdom of Satan, unconverted people, of every rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the cause of God. But the rulers of the earth have generally been most active. The truths and precepts of Christianity are against ambitious projects and worldly lusts. We are told what they aim at in this opposition.
They desire to break apart the bands of conscience and the cords of God's commandments; they will not receive them, but instead cast them away as far as they can. These enemies can show no good reason for opposing such a just and holy government, which, if everyone accepted it, would bring a heaven on earth. They can hope for no success in opposing such a powerful kingdom.
The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and on earth, and is Head over all things to the church, despite the restless efforts of his enemies. Christ's throne is set up in his church, that is, in the hearts of all believers.
"I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I will give [thee] the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter`s vessel." — Psalms 2:7-9 (ASV)
The kingdom of the Messiah is founded upon an eternal decree of God the Father. Our Lord Jesus often referred to this as that by which He governed Himself. God has said to Him, Thou art my Son, and it is fitting for each of us to say to Him, 'You are my Lord, my Sovereign.'
The Son, in asking the nations for His inheritance, desires their happiness in Him; so He pleads for them, ever lives to do so, and is able to save to the uttermost, and He will have multitudes of willing, loyal subjects among them. Christians are the possession of the Lord Jesus; they are to Him for a name and a praise. God the Father gives them to Him when, by His Spirit and grace, He works upon them to submit to the Lord Jesus.
"Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him. " — Psalms 2:10-12 (ASV)
Whatever we rejoice in, in this world, it must always be with trembling, because of the uncertainty of all things in it. To welcome Jesus Christ, and to submit to him, is our wisdom and interest. Let him be very dear and precious; love him above all, love him in sincerity, love him much, as she did, to whom much was forgiven, and, as a sign of it, kissed his feet (Luke 7:38). And with a kiss of loyalty take this yoke upon you, and give up yourselves to be governed by his laws, ordered by his providence, and entirely devoted to his cause.
Unbelief is a sin against the remedy. It will be utter destruction to yourselves; lest you perish in the way of your sins, and from the way of your vain hopes; lest your way perish, lest you prove to have missed the way of happiness. Christ is the way; take heed lest you be cut off from Him as your way to God.
They thought themselves in the way; but neglecting Christ, they perish from it. Blessed will those be in the day of wrath, who, by trusting in Christ, have made him their Refuge.
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