TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 2:10–12. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here the practical application of this gospel doctrine concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, by way of exhortation to the kings and judges of the earth. They hear that it is in vain to oppose Christ's government; let them therefore be so wise for themselves as to submit to it. He that has power to destroy them shows that he has no pleasure in their destruction, for he puts them into a way to make themselves happy, Psa 2:10. Those that would be wise must be instructed; and those are truly wise that receive instruction from the word of God. Kings and judges stand upon a level with common persons before God; and it is as necessary for them to be religious as for any others. Those that give law and judgment to others must receive law from Christ, and it will be their wisdom to do so. What is said to them is said to all, and is required of every one of us, only it is directed to kings and judges because of the influence which their example will have upon their inferiors, and because they were men of rank and power that opposed the setting up of Christ's kingdom, Psa 2:2. We are exhorted,
I.To reverence God and to stand in awe of him, Psa 2:11.
This is the great duty of natural religion. God is great, and infinitely above us, just and holy, and provoked against us, and therefore we ought to fear him and tremble before him; yet he is our Lord and Master, and we are bound to serve him, our friend and benefactor, and we have reason to rejoice in him; and these are very well consistent with each other, for,
1.We must serve God in all ordinances of worship, and all instances of a godly conversation, but with a holy fear, a jealousy over ourselves, and a reverence of him. Even kings themselves, whom others serve and fear, must serve and fear God; there is the same indefinite distance between them and God that there is between the meanest of their subjects and him.
2.We must rejoice in God, and, in subordination to him, we may rejoice in other things, but still with a holy trembling, as those that know what a glorious and jealous God he is, whose eye is always upon us. Our salvation must be wrought out with fear and trembling, Phi 2:12. We ought to rejoice in the setting up of the kingdom of Christ, but to rejoice with trembling, with a holy awe of him, a holy fear for ourselves, lest we come short, and a tender concern for the many precious souls to whom his gospel and kingdom are a savour of death unto death. Whatever we rejoice in, in this world, it must always be with trembling, lest we grow vain in our joy and be puffed up with the things we rejoice in, and because of the uncertainty of them and the damp which by a thousand accidents may soon be cast upon our joy. To rejoice with trembling is to rejoice as though we rejoiced not, Co1 7:30.
II.To welcome Jesus Christ and to submit to him, Psa 2:12.
This is the great duty of the Christian religion; it is that which is required of all, even kings and judges, and it is our wisdom and interest to do it. Observe here,
1.The command given to this purport: Kiss the Son. Christ is called the Son because so he was declared (Psa 2:7), Thou art my Son. He is the Son of God by eternal generation, and, upon that account, he is to be adored by us. He is the Son of man (that is, the Mediator, Joh 5:27), and, upon that account, to be received and submitted to. He is called the Son, to include both, as God is often called emphatically the Father, because he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in him our Father, and we must have an eye to him under both considerations. Our duty to Christ is here expressed figuratively: Kiss the Son, not with a betraying kiss, as Judas kissed him, and as all hypocrites, who pretend to honour him, but really affront him; but with a believing kiss.
(1.)With a kiss of agreement and reconciliation. Kiss, and be friends, as Jacob and Esau; let the quarrel between us and God terminate; let the acts of hostility cease, and let us be at peace with God in Christ, who is our peace.
(2.)With a kiss of adoration and religious worship. Those that worshipped idols kissed them, Kg1 19:18; Hos 13:2. Let us study how to do honour to the Lord Jesus, and to give unto him the glory due unto his name. He is thy Lord, and worship thou him, Psa 45:11. We must worship the Lamb, as well as him that sits on the throne, Rev 5:9-13.
(3.)With a kiss of affection and sincere love: "Kiss the Son; enter into a covenant of friendship with him, and let him be very dear and precious to you; love him above all, love him in sincerity, love him much, as she did to whom much was forgiven, and, in token of it, kissed his feet," Luk 7:38.
(4.)With a kiss of allegiance and loyalty, as Samuel kissed Saul, Sa1 10:1. Swear fealty and homage to him, submit to his government, take his yoke upon you, and give up yourselves to be governed by his laws, disposed of by his providence, and entirely devoted to his interest.
2.The reasons to enforce this command; and they are taken from our own interest, which God, in his gospel, shows a concern for. Consider,
(1.)The certain ruin we run upon if we refuse and reject Christ: "Kiss the Son; for it is at your peril if you do not." [1.] "It will be a great provocation to him. Do it, lest he be angry." The Father is angry already; the Son is the Mediator that undertakes to make peace; if we slight him, the Father's wrath abides upon us (Joh 3:36), and not only so, but there is an addition of the Son's wrath too, to whom nothing is more displeasing than to have the offers of his grace slighted and the designs of it frustrated. The Son can be angry, though a Lamb; he is the lion of the tribe of Judah, and the wrath of this king, this King of kings, will be as the roaring of a lion, and will drive even mighty men and chief captains to seek in vain for shelter in rocks and mountains, Rev 6:16. If the Son be angry, who shall intercede for us? There remains no more sacrifice, no other name by which we can be saved. Unbelief is a sin against the remedy. [2.] It will be utter destruction to yourselves: Lest you perish from the way, or in the way so some, in the way of your sins, and from the way of your vain hopes; lest your way perish (as Psa 1:6), lest you prove to have missed the way to happiness. Christ is the way; take heed lest you be cut off from him as your way to God. It intimates that they were, or at least thought themselves, in the way; but, by neglecting Christ, they perished from it, which aggravates their ruin, that they go to hell from the way to heaven, are not far from the kingdom of God and yet never arrive there.
(2.)The happiness we are sure of if we yield ourselves to Christ. When his wrath is kindled, though but a little, the least spark of that fire is enough to make the proudest sinner miserable if it fasten upon his conscience; for it will burn to the lowest hell: one would think it should therefore follow, "When his wrath is kindled, woe be to those that despise him;" but the Psalmist startles at the thought, deprecates that dreadful doom and pronounces those blessed that escape it. Those that trust in him, and so kiss him, are truly happy; but they will especially appear to be so when the wrath of Christ is kindled against others. Blessed will those be in the day of wrath, who, by trusting in Christ, have made him their refuge and patron; when the hearts of others fail them for fear they shall lift up their heads with joy; and then those who now despise Christ and his followers will be forced to say, to their own greater confusion, "Now we see that blessed are all those, and those only, that trust in him."
In singing this, and praying it over, we should have our hearts filled with a holy awe of God, but at the same time borne up with a cheerful confidence in Christ, in whose mediation we may comfort and encourage ourselves and one another. We are the circumcision, that rejoice in Christ Jesus.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Even your very rejoicings therefore ought to be done with fear and trembling, for a Christian who is faithful ought to repeat neither a heathen hymn nor an obscene song, because he will be obliged by that hymn to make mention of the idolatrous names of demons; and instead of the Holy Spirit, the wicked one will enter into him.
If you remember the Judge only when you are in difficulties as one who inspires fear and who is incorruptibly honest, then you have not as yet learned to “serve the Lord in fear and to rejoice in him with trembling.” For understand this point well: one is to worship him even in spiritual relaxations and in times of good cheer with even more piety and reverence.
He wants devotion, not coercion … because to obey is more sublime than to yield simply to duty.
"Serve the Lord with fear;" lest what is said, "You kings and judges of the earth," turn into pride: "And rejoice with trembling" [Psalm 2:11]. Very excellently is "rejoice" added, lest "serve the Lord with fear" should seem to tend to misery. But again, lest this same rejoicing should run on to unrestrained inconsiderateness, there is added "with trembling," that it might avail for a warning, and for the careful guarding of holiness. It can also be taken thus, "And now you kings understand;" that is, And now that I am set as King, be not sad, kings of the earth, as if your excellency were taken from you, but rather "understand and be instructed." For it is expedient for you, that you should be under Him, by whom understanding and instruction are given you. And this is expedient for you, that you lord it not with rashness, but that you "serve the Lord" of all "with fear," and "rejoice" in bliss most sure and most pure, with all caution and carefulness, lest you fall therefrom into pride.
He who remains in the fear of God remains in holiness.
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Summary
Psalms 2:11 serves as a profound and urgent call to all, especially the rebellious rulers previously addressed in the psalm, to abandon their futile defiance and instead embrace humble submission to the Lord's sovereign authority. It exhorts humanity to approach the Almighty God with a deep, reverential awe that acknowledges His immense power, holiness, and righteous judgment, while simultaneously experiencing a genuine, humble joy in His presence and His redemptive work. This verse beautifully encapsulates the paradox of a truly worshipful life: a joyful submission tempered by a profound awareness of divine majesty and an earnest desire to serve His righteous will.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 2:11 stands as a pivotal exhortation within Psalm 2, a profoundly messianic and prophetic psalm that outlines the cosmic conflict between God's sovereign rule and the futile rebellion of earthly nations and their rulers. The psalm opens with a vivid depiction of the nations' defiant plotting against the Lord and His Anointed One, declaring, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" (Psalms 2:1). God's response is one of derision and unwavering resolve, as He declares His intention to install His King on Zion, stating, "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion" (Psalms 2:6). This is followed by the divine decree itself, proclaiming the Son's eternal kingship and inheritance over the nations (Psalms 2:7-9). In light of this overwhelming divine power and the inevitability of the Messiah's reign, verses 10-12 issue a direct warning and invitation to the rebellious kings to repent and submit. Verse 11, "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling," is the heart of this call to wisdom and humility, preceding the final blessing promised to those who take refuge in the Lord, "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him" (Psalms 2:12). The verse thus functions as a crucial turning point, offering a path to peace and blessing rather than destruction.
Historical & Cultural Context
The psalm reflects the ancient Near Eastern (ANE) concept of kingship and suzerainty treaties, where a powerful suzerain (overlord) would establish a vassal (subordinate king) and demand loyalty, tribute, and service. God is presented as the ultimate Suzerain, with His Anointed King (the Messiah) as His chosen representative on earth. The "fear" (yirʼâh) of the Lord in this context is not mere terror, but a profound reverence and awe akin to the respect due to a powerful, righteous king, combined with the covenantal loyalty expected from a vassal. This "fear" is often linked to wisdom and obedience throughout the Old Testament, forming the foundation of true knowledge and righteous living, as articulated in Proverbs 9:10. The call to "rejoice" alongside "trembling" would have been understood against a backdrop where the presence of a divine or immensely powerful king could evoke both celebration for his favor and a humbling awareness of one's own smallness and dependence, leading to a respectful demeanor.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 2 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the Sovereignty of God and His Anointed King, emphasizing that all earthly authority is subordinate to His divine, universal rule. The nations may rage, but God's plan will prevail. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Reverence and Awe, defining the appropriate posture of humanity before the Holy God – a fear that is worshipful, respectful, and leads to obedience, not cowering. This reverential fear is the antithesis of the rebellion depicted earlier in the psalm. Thirdly, it introduces the Paradoxical Nature of True Joy, demonstrating that genuine spiritual joy is not frivolous or presumptuous but is tempered by humility and a profound awareness of God's majesty and our own dependence. This joy is found in submission, not defiance. Finally, it serves as a direct Call to Submission and Service, urging all, especially those in positions of power, to abandon defiance and embrace a life of willing obedience and worship, recognizing that true peace, wisdom, and blessing are found only in aligning with God's divine will and taking refuge in His Son, as the psalm concludes in Psalms 2:12.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew word יִרְאָה (yirʼâh), a feminine noun derived from the root יָרֵא (yare'), denotes "fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence; [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness)." In the context of "serving the LORD with fear," it signifies a profound, worshipful reverence and awe for God's holiness, power, and righteous judgment. It is not a paralyzing terror, but a healthy, humbling recognition of God's supreme majesty and our utter dependence upon Him, which leads to willing obedience, devotion, and a life lived in conscious acknowledgment of His presence. This "fear" is consistently presented in Scripture as the foundation of wisdom and true knowledge of God.
The Hebrew word גִּיל (gîyl), a primitive root, properly means "to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear; be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice." When paired with "trembling," it describes an exuberant, demonstrative joy that is deep and genuine, yet not presumptuous or irreverent. It's a joy that acknowledges the immense privilege of being in God's presence and receiving His favor, while simultaneously being acutely aware of His transcendence and holiness. This joy stems from the security and blessing found in submission to the Lord.
The Hebrew word רְעָדָה (raʻad), or its feminine form rᵉʻâdâh, derived from the root רָעַד (ra'ad), means "a shudder; trembling." In this verse, it communicates a sense of respectful awe, a humble awareness of God's overwhelming presence and glory. It implies a sobriety that tempers the exuberance of joy, ensuring that the joy is not frivolous but grounded in a deep respect for God's holiness, power, and the seriousness of His presence. It is a physical manifestation of profound reverence before the divine.
Verse Breakdown
"Serve the LORD with fear"
This imperative calls for active, dedicated obedience and worship directed towards Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel, the self-Existent or Eternal One. The manner of this service is specified as "with fear," meaning it must be characterized by profound reverence, awe, and respect for His supreme authority and holiness. This is not a service born of compulsion or terror, but of a deep, humble recognition of who God is, leading to willing submission and devotion. It implies a life lived in conscious acknowledgment of His majesty and a diligent pursuit of His will.
"and rejoice with trembling"
This second imperative presents a striking paradox. It commands an exultant, joyful response to God, yet this joy is to be accompanied "with trembling." This "trembling" does not negate the joy but qualifies it, ensuring it is not superficial or presumptuous. It signifies a joy that is sober, humble, and acutely aware of God's transcendence, power, and the seriousness of His presence. It's a joy that acknowledges our unworthiness yet celebrates His grace and salvation, leading to a profound, humble gladness in His reign and the immense privilege of His presence. This paradox highlights the unique posture of a worshiper before the holy, yet gracious, God.
Literary Devices
Psalms 2:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is Paradox or Oxymoron, particularly evident in the phrase "rejoice with trembling." This seemingly contradictory command highlights the complex and profound nature of approaching a holy God – one is to experience exuberant joy, yet simultaneously be filled with humble awe and reverence. This paradox underscores that true spiritual joy is not frivolous but is tempered by a deep respect for God's majesty and a sober awareness of His holiness. The verse also utilizes Parallelism, specifically a form of Synthetic Parallelism, where the second line ("rejoice with trembling") builds upon and elaborates the concept introduced in the first ("Serve the LORD with fear"). Both clauses are Imperatives, functioning as direct commands or exhortations, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of this posture before God for all, especially the kings and rulers addressed earlier in the psalm. Finally, the terms "fear" and "trembling" can be seen as Metonymy, where the emotional or physical response stands for the entire attitude of humble submission, profound reverence, and awe before the divine.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 2:11 encapsulates a core theological truth about the proper human response to God's sovereignty and holiness. It teaches that true worship and service are not merely acts of outward obedience but are rooted in an internal posture of reverential awe and humble joy. The "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented throughout Scripture as the foundation of wisdom and true knowledge of God, leading to a life of righteousness and blessing. This verse challenges any notion of casual or presumptuous engagement with the divine, while simultaneously inviting believers into a profound, joyful relationship with their Creator and King. It underscores that God's immense power and holiness, which might inspire dread in the rebellious, should instead inspire a deep, reverent joy in those who submit to His loving authority and find refuge in His Anointed One.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 2:11 offers timeless guidance for believers on how to cultivate an authentic and balanced relationship with God. It calls us to embrace a spirituality that is neither flippant nor fearful in a debilitating sense, but one that harmonizes profound reverence with genuine joy. To "serve the LORD with fear" means to live in constant awareness of His holiness, power, and justice, allowing this awe to shape our decisions, words, and actions. It implies a humble recognition of our place before the Almighty, leading to a diligent and sincere pursuit of His will, not out of compulsion but out of devoted respect. Simultaneously, to "rejoice with trembling" encourages us to celebrate God's goodness, grace, and salvation with exuberant gladness, yet always tempered by a sober understanding of His majesty and our own unworthiness. This paradoxical joy is a deep, abiding gladness that recognizes God's sovereignty even amidst life's uncertainties and challenges. It's a joy that fuels our service, making it not a burden, but an immense privilege. This verse ultimately invites us to a life of active, humble, and joyful submission to the King of Kings, finding our greatest peace, purpose, and blessing in His reign.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the "fear" mentioned in this verse, and how does it relate to love for God?
The "fear" (Hebrew: yirʼâh) in Psalms 2:11 is not a cowering dread or terror, but rather a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's immense power, holiness, and majesty. It's the recognition of His supreme authority and our humble place before Him. This kind of fear is foundational to wisdom and true worship, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Job 28:28. Far from being antithetical to love, this reverential fear deepens our love for God. When we truly grasp His greatness and purity, our love for Him grows in humility and devotion. It's a love that respects His boundaries, honors His commands, and trusts in His perfect character, knowing that His power is always exercised in perfect love and righteousness. While perfect love casts out the fear that has to do with punishment (1 John 4:18), it deepens the awe and reverence for the One who is perfectly holy and loving.
How can one "rejoice with trembling" without being anxious or afraid?
To "rejoice with trembling" describes a unique spiritual state that balances exuberant joy with humble awe. The "trembling" (Hebrew: raʻad) signifies a sober awareness of God's overwhelming presence and holiness, a quivering not of fear or anxiety, but of profound respect and humility. It's the recognition that we are in the presence of the Almighty, whose glory is immense and whose holiness is absolute. This tempering of joy ensures it is not frivolous or presumptuous, but deeply grounded in a proper understanding of God's character. It's a joy that acknowledges our unworthiness yet celebrates His grace and salvation. For believers, this means our joy in the Lord is never superficial; it's a deep, abiding gladness that is mindful of His sovereignty, holiness, and the immense privilege of His presence, leading to a joyful submission rather than a reckless abandon. It's the joy of knowing we are accepted by a holy God, a joy that makes us tremble with awe at His condescension and grace, as seen in the call to "rejoice in the Lord always" while letting our "gentleness be known to everyone" (Philippians 4:4-5).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 2:11, as part of a profoundly messianic psalm, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the Anointed King whom God has set on Zion, the Son to whom the nations are given as an inheritance, and the One whose reign is eternal and universal (Psalms 2:6-8). Therefore, the command to "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling" is, in essence, a call to submit to and worship Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is through Him that we can truly approach God with both reverence and joy, for Jesus perfectly embodies the holiness that demands our fear (awe) and the boundless grace that inspires our deepest joy. His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection demonstrate both God's righteous judgment against sin and His boundless love and mercy for humanity. To serve the Lord with fear now means to serve Christ with humble obedience, acknowledging His supreme authority as Lord of all, to whom "every knee should bow" (Philippians 2:9-11). And to rejoice with trembling means to exult in the salvation He has accomplished, a joy that is profound and exuberant, yet tempered by the awesome reality of His sacrifice, the holiness of His presence, and the seriousness of His coming judgment. Through Christ, we are given access to God, allowing us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), yet always with reverence and awe, knowing that our God "is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:28-29).