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Commentary on Psalms 2 verses 10–12
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.
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.
"Lay hold of discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the righteous way" [Psalm 2:12]. This is the same as, "understand," and, "be instructed." For to understand and be instructed, this is to lay hold of discipline. Still in that it is said, "lay hold of," it is plainly enough intimated that there is some protection and defence against all things which might do hurt unless with so great carefulness it be laid hold of. "Lest at any time the Lord be angry," is expressed with a doubt, not as regards the vision of the prophet to whom it is certain, but as regards those who are warned; for they, to whom it is not openly revealed, are wont to think with doubt of the anger of God. This then they ought to say to themselves, let us "lay hold of discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and we perish from the righteous way." Now, how "the Lord be angry" is to be taken, has been said above. And "you perish from the righteous way." This is a great punishment, and dreaded by those who have had any perception of the sweetness of righteousness; for he who perishes from the way of righteousness, in much misery will wander through the ways of unrighteousness. "When His anger shall be shortly kindled, blessed are all they who put their trust in Him;" that is, when the vengeance shall come which is prepared for the ungodly and for sinners, not only will it not light on those "who put their trust in" the Lord, but it will even avail for the foundation and exaltation of a kingdom for them. For he said not, "When His anger shall be shortly kindled," safe "are all they who put their trust in Him," as though they should have this only thereby, to be exempt from punishment; but he said, "blessed;" in which there is the sum and accumulation of all good things. Now the meaning of "shortly" I suppose to be this, that it will be something sudden, while sinners will deem it far off and long to come.
He who remains in the fear of God remains in holiness.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 2:12 serves as the climactic warning and profound invitation within this royal-messianic psalm, addressing the rebellious rulers of the earth and, by extension, all humanity. It issues a dual and urgent imperative: render homage and submission to God's divinely appointed Son, the Messiah, or face the swift and devastating consequences of His righteous wrath. Conversely, it pronounces an unparalleled blessing upon all who choose the path of trust and refuge in Him, starkly contrasting the outcomes of defiance versus devoted allegiance.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 2 is a foundational royal or messianic psalm, often described as a prophetic enthronement psalm. Its dramatic four-part structure builds toward this concluding verse. It begins with the futile rebellion of the nations against the Lord and His Anointed One (vv. 1-3), followed by God's sovereign, derisive response and His decree to establish His King on Zion (vv. 4-6). The psalm then shifts to the Son's declaration of the divine decree, affirming His universal inheritance and authority over the nations (vv. 7-9). The final section, beginning in Psalms 2:10, transitions to an urgent exhortation to the earthly rulers to be wise, receive instruction, serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Verse 12 serves as the culminating appeal, presenting the ultimate choice—submission or destruction—and its profound consequences, thereby bringing the psalm to a powerful and urgent close. It echoes and reinforces the themes of divine sovereignty and the Messiah's ultimate authority established throughout the preceding verses, providing the practical application of the truths revealed.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the concept of a king being a "son" of a deity was prevalent, often signifying divine appointment, a special relationship, or even adoption into a divine lineage. For Israel, this concept was uniquely refined and tied to the Davidic covenant, where God promised an eternal dynasty and a "son" who would rule, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:14. The act of "kissing" was a widespread cultural gesture of homage, submission, loyalty, and even adoration towards a superior, a king, a deity, or a conquering ruler. It was a sign of vassalage, acknowledging the suzerain's authority and pledging allegiance. The idea of divine wrath was deeply embedded in the ancient worldview, signifying a deity's righteous indignation against rebellion, injustice, or covenant breaking, often resulting in swift and complete judgment. The "way" (Hebrew: derek) frequently refers to a path of life, conduct, or destiny, implying that perishing "from the way" means being cut off from the path of life, righteousness, or prosperity, leading to ruin.
Key Themes: This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 2 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the Sovereignty of God and His Messianic Plan, demonstrating that despite human rebellion and the schemes of nations, God's decree to establish His Son as King will irrevocably prevail. Secondly, it highlights the Unique Sonship of the Messiah, portraying Him not merely as an earthly king but as one whose wrath is divine and whose trust brings ultimate blessing, thereby foreshadowing the divine nature of Christ. Thirdly, the verse presents a stark Contrast between Rebellion and Submission, offering a clear, urgent choice: defiant opposition leads to destruction, while humble submission leads to blessedness. This theme of Divine Wrath and Judgment is balanced by the promise of Divine Blessing and Refuge for those who acknowledge and trust the Son, reinforcing the profound wisdom of yielding to God's appointed King. The psalm's earlier exhortation to "be wise" and "receive instruction" (Psalms 2:10) culminates in this verse's call to trust, positioning it as the ultimate expression of true wisdom and discernment in the face of divine authority.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 2:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and climactic message. The most prominent device is Juxtaposition or Antithesis, which starkly contrasts the consequences of rebellion (divine anger, perishing) against the blessings of submission and trust (divine favor, blessedness). This creates a powerful rhetorical choice, forcing the audience to consider two mutually exclusive outcomes. The opening phrase, "Kiss the Son," is a direct and forceful Imperative, a command that demands immediate action and a clear decision. The use of "lest" introduces a Conditional Clause, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between obedience or disobedience and the resulting outcome. The phrase "when his wrath is kindled but a little" is a masterful example of Understatement (or Meiosis); by stating that only "a little" of His wrath is kindled, it paradoxically highlights the overwhelming and devastating power of divine judgment, making the warning even more impactful and terrifying. Finally, the entire psalm, culminating in this verse, functions as both a Prophecy regarding the Messiah's reign and an urgent Exhortation to humanity to respond appropriately to God's sovereign decree.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 2:12 stands as a pivotal theological statement, encapsulating the profound biblical tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, and the ultimate, existential choice between rebellion and submission. It powerfully asserts the unique authority of God's Anointed King, foreshadowing the absolute and universal reign of the Messiah. The warning of divine wrath underscores God's perfect holiness, unwavering justice, and righteous indignation, demonstrating that sin and defiant opposition against His appointed ruler will not go unpunished. Conversely, the promise of profound blessedness for those who trust in Him reveals God's boundless grace, mercy, and provision, offering refuge, peace, and ultimate well-being to all who humble themselves before Him. This verse establishes a fundamental biblical principle: true blessedness, security, and eternal life are found only in humble alignment with God's sovereign will and His chosen King.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 2:12 presents a timeless and urgent call that resonates with every individual, forcing us to confront the fundamental question of our allegiance. Will we, like the rebellious nations depicted earlier in the psalm, resist God's divinely appointed King, or will we choose to "kiss the Son"—to humble ourselves, acknowledge His supreme authority, and place our complete trust in Him? The warning is stark: even a "little" of His wrath is devastating, reminding us of the immense gravity of rejecting divine authority and the dire consequences of defiance. Yet, the promise is equally profound and infinitely more appealing: true blessedness, enduring peace, and ultimate security are found only in Him. This is not merely an intellectual assent to a theological truth but a call to a complete surrender of our lives, our wills, and our future into His sovereign hands. It demands repentance from self-rule and a turning to Christ as Lord, recognizing that He is the only source of true life, lasting joy, and eternal refuge.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "Kiss the Son" truly mean in a practical sense for believers today?
Answer: For believers today, "Kiss the Son" is a powerful and evocative metaphor for recognizing and acknowledging Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord and King, and submitting to His divine authority. Practically, it means giving Him our unreserved allegiance, loyalty, and worship. It involves a heartfelt repentance from sin, placing our faith in His atoning work on the cross for salvation, and living in willing obedience to His commands as revealed in His Word. It represents a posture of humble reverence, profound trust, and devoted submission, embracing His righteous rule in every aspect of our lives, rather than resisting Him or attempting to live independently. Ultimately, it is a daily, active commitment to follow Him as our King and Savior, seeking to honor Him in all things.
Why is the "Son" referred to as bar (Aramaic) instead of ben (Hebrew) in this verse? Is there a special significance?
Answer: The use of the Aramaic word bar (בַּר) for "Son" instead of the more common Hebrew ben (בֵּן) in Psalms 2:12 has been a subject of significant scholarly discussion. While some suggest it might simply be a poetic variation or a reflection of Aramaic influence in the psalm's composition, many scholars believe it carries special theological significance. It could emphasize the unique, universal, or even divine nature of this Son, distinguishing Him from ordinary human sons or kings. The Aramaic term might also subtly suggest a broader, more inclusive scope for the Son's dominion, extending beyond Israel to all nations, aligning perfectly with the psalm's theme of universal kingship and the Messiah's global authority. Ultimately, regardless of the precise linguistic nuance, the identity of this "Son" points unequivocally to the Messiah, the one through whom God's eternal plan for redemption and righteous rule will be fulfilled.
What does "perish [from] the way" signify in the context of divine wrath?
Answer: "Perish [from] the way" (or "perish in the way") signifies utter destruction, ruin, and ultimately, divine condemnation. The Hebrew word derek ("way") frequently refers to one's path of life, one's conduct, or one's destiny. Thus, to "perish from the way" means to be utterly cut off from the path of life, prosperity, and righteousness that God intends for humanity. It implies a catastrophic end to one's existence or current rebellious course, resulting in divine judgment and eternal separation from God's blessing and presence. It serves as a severe warning that continued defiance and rebellion against the Son leads to a fatal deviation from the path of life, culminating in spiritual and existential destruction.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 2:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Son" of God, not merely by adoption or appointment, but by eternal nature, being the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, upholding the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:2-3). The urgent call to "Kiss the Son" is a direct prophetic command for all humanity to acknowledge Jesus as the divinely appointed King and Lord of all creation. While His first advent was marked by grace, offering salvation to all who believe and receive Him (John 1:12), the solemn warning of His wrath, "kindled but a little," powerfully foreshadows His second coming. At that time, He will return not as a humble servant but as the righteous Judge and conquering King, before whom "every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11). The blessedness promised to "all they that put their trust in him" is gloriously realized in the New Covenant, where salvation, eternal life, and true peace are granted to those who place their faith in Jesus' finished work on the cross and submit to His Lordship (Romans 10:9-10). Thus, Psalms 2:12 stands as a timeless invitation to embrace Christ as King and Savior, for in Him alone is found refuge from divine judgment and the fullness of God's eternal blessing.