Psalms 2:11

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068} with fear {H3374}, and rejoice {H1523} with trembling {H7461}.

Serve ADONAI with fear; rejoice, but with trembling.

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.

Commentary

Psalms 2:11 (KJV): "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling."

Context

Psalm 2 is a profound prophetic and messianic psalm that details the rebellion of earthly rulers and nations against God and His Anointed King (the Messiah). The psalm begins with the nations plotting in vain (Psalm 2:1-3), followed by God's derisive response and His firm decree to establish His King on Zion (Psalm 2:6-7). In light of this overwhelming divine power and inevitable judgment, Psalm 2:11 issues a crucial exhortation to all, particularly the rebellious rulers, to abandon their defiance and instead submit to the Lord's authority. It's a call to wisdom and humility before the sovereign God.

Key Themes

  • Reverence and Awe: The phrase "serve the LORD with fear" emphasizes a profound sense of awe and respect for God's immense power, holiness, and righteous judgment. This isn't a cowering dread but a reverential fear of the Lord, acknowledging His supreme position and our humble place before Him.
  • Paradoxical Joy: To "rejoice with trembling" presents a beautiful paradox. It speaks of a joy that is not frivolous or presumptuous, but one tempered by humility and a deep awareness of God's majesty and our own dependence. It's a sober joy, a joyful submission, recognizing both God's incredible goodness and His ultimate, unchallengeable power.
  • Call to Submission and Service: This verse serves as a direct appeal for all people to submit to God's reign and that of His Messiah. In stark contrast to the defiance described earlier in the psalm, it urges a posture of willing service and joyful obedience, highlighting that true peace and blessing come from aligning with God's divine will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fear" is yare' (יָרֵא), which carries the meaning of being afraid, revering, or standing in awe. In this context, it strongly implies a worshipful respect for God's might and holiness. The word for "trembling" is ragilah (רְעָדָה), which suggests a respectful awe or quivering, not necessarily from terror, but from the overwhelming presence and glory of God. When these terms are combined with "rejoice," they uniquely describe a profound, humble joy that fully acknowledges God's transcendence and power.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 2:11 offers timeless guidance on how to approach and relate to God:

  • Worship with Reverence and Joy: Our worship should be characterized by both fervent joy and profound reverence. We celebrate God's goodness and mercy while humbly acknowledging His holiness and supreme authority.
  • Cultivate Sober-Minded Gladness: True joy in the Lord is not superficial but a deep, abiding gladness that recognizes God's sovereignty even amidst life's uncertainties. This joy is not reckless but mindful of God's character and commands, echoing the encouragement to rejoice in the Lord always.
  • Embrace Humble Service: "Serving the LORD" implies active obedience and dedication to His purposes. The "fear" and "trembling" mentioned lead to a willing service, not out of compulsion, but out of a deep love and respect for who God is and what He has done.

This powerful verse reminds us that the appropriate response to God's sovereign rule, particularly through His Anointed King, is a harmonious blend of holy awe and joyful submission, leading to a life of humble and dedicated service to Him.

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Cross-References

  • Philippians 2:12 (18 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

  • Hebrews 12:25 (14 votes)

    See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

  • Hebrews 4:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

  • Hebrews 4:2 (11 votes)

    For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].

  • Hebrews 12:28 (11 votes)

    Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

  • Hebrews 12:29 (11 votes)

    For our God [is] a consuming fire.

  • Psalms 119:119 (10 votes)

    Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth [like] dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.