Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Psalm 2

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

the heathen rage

Kingdom (O.T.). Psa 2:1-9; Psa 16:8-11. (Gen 1:26; Zec 12:8).

a vain thing

Sacrifice (prophetic). Psa 2:1-3; Psa 22:1-18. (Gen 3:15; Heb 10:18.)

Psa 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

the rulers take counsel together

Mat 12:14; 26:3, 4, 47, 57, 59-66; 27:1, 2, 11-14; Mar 3:6; 11:18; Luk 6:11; Jhn 5:16, 18; 8:40, 59; Jhn 10.

anointed

Christ (First Advent). Psa 16.10. (Gen 3:15; Acts 1:9.)

Psa 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

vex them

Tribulation, (the great). Jer 30:4-7. (Psa 2:5; Rev 7:14).

Psa 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

king

The second Psalm gives the order of the establishment of the kingdom. It is in six parts:

1. The rage of the Gentiles, the vain imagination of "people" (Jews), and the antagonism of rulers against Jehovah's anointed (Psa 2:1-3). The inspired interpretation of this is in Act 4:25-28, which asserts its fulfilment in the crucifixion of Christ.
2. The derision of Jehovah (Psa 2:4) that men should suppose it possible to set aside His covenant (2Sa 7:8-17), and oath (Psa 89:34-37).
3. The vexation (Psa 2:5) fulfilled, first in the destruction of Jerusalem, A.D. 70; and in the final dispersion of the Jews at that time; and to be fulfilled more completely in the tribulation (Mat 24:29) which immediately precedes the return of the King (Mat 24:30).
4. The establishment of the rejected King upon Zion (Psa 2:6).
5. The subjection of the earth to the King's rule (Psa 2:7-9); and
6. the present appeal to the world powers (Psa 2:10-12).

See Psa 8, next in order of the Messianic Psalms. (Note. Psa 2; 8; 16; 22; 23; 24; 40; 41; 45; 68; 69; 72; 89; 102; 110; and Psa 118. are considered as Messianic. It is not questioned that many other Psalms also refer to Christ.)

holy

Hebrew qodesh.

Sanctify, holy (O.T.). Psa 20:2. (Gen 2:3; Zec 8:3)

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

Thou art my Son

Act 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5.

Psa 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Thou shalt break them

Christ (Second Advent). Psa 24:1-10. (Deu 30:3; Acts 1:9-11.)

thou shalt dash them in pieces

Day (of Jehovah). Psa 2:9; Rev 6:15-17. (Isa 2:10-22; Rev 19:11-21).

Psa 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

fear

Scofield Psalms 19:9, note.

Psa 2:12 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.

put their trust

Faith. Psa 28:7. (Gen 3:20; Heb 11:39.)

trust

Trust is the characteristic O.T. word for the N.T. "faith," "believe." It occurs 152 times in the O.T., and is the rendering of Heb. words signifying to take refuge (e.g. Rth 2:12); to lean on (e.g. Psa 56:3); to roll on (e.g. Psa 22:8); to stay upon (e.g. Job 35:14).