Psalm 2: Royal psalm

Ps2 is a Royal psalm as there are nouns indicating the theme of kingship: kings, rulers, his anointed.[1] 

Humanity is rebellious: the earthy rulers are rebelling against the God and the anointed human king he is installing (V1-3). 

God watches humanity from above and laughs at this human rebellion from his throne in heaven, because they have no chance of winning against the creator of the universe (V4). It is a ‘vain struggle’.[2] 

Warning is given to submit to Yahweh instead of rebelling or else be perished (V10-12)[3], as God is prepared to judge the rebellious.[4] 

“Rejoice with trembling”: how does it work? Trembling with fear? Two things in parallel. Yahweh is also just and have wrath, so the joy should come with fear.

The Hebrew word used for “son” in v7 is different from v12.  V12 is the Aramaic form. Aramaic only came in common usage after the exile. If it’s an early Psalm, there is a problem that an Aramaic word is used. There might also have been a textual corruption.

What does the notion of taking refuge do (those who submit=those who take refuge in Yahweh) for Yahweh’s rule? Yahweh will protect those who come to Yahweh for safety. It recognises the danger of this world. It also shows us how true wisdom looks.

Is Yahweh slow to anger? Sometimes yes, but when Yahweh faces those who stubbornly rebel against Yahweh, Yahweh does not muck around, or else the righteous is in danger.

The psalmist reminds us that happy are those who responds by taking refuge in God (V12).

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[1] Nancy DeClaisse-Walford, Rolf A. Jacobson, and Beth LaNeel Tanner. The Book of Psalms (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2014), 68.

[2] DeClaisse-Walford, Jacobson, and LaNeel Tanner. The Book of Psalms, 67.

[3] John Goldingay, Psalms Volume 1: Psalms 1-41 (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2006), 103.

[4] Goldingay, Psalms Volume 1: Psalms 1-41, 104.