PSALM 2 THE ARGUMENT The penman of this Psalm was David, as is affirmed, ACTS 4:25. As for the matter or subject of it, it may seem to have some respect unto David, and to his advancement to and settlement in the throne of Judah and Israel; but the chief design and scope of it, and the primary inten... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGS; either those mentioned 2SA 5 2SA 8; or rather Herod the Great, and the other Herod, and Pilate, and others with or after them. OF THE EARTH; so called in way of contempt, and to show their madness in opposing the God of heaven. SET THEMSELVES: the word notes their firm purpose and profess... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR, i.e. the Lord's and his anointed s, BANDS, which they design to put upon our necks, that they may bring us into subjection. They mean the laws of God, which the king would oblige them to observe, which though easy and pleasant in themselves and to good men, MATTHEW 11:29,30 1 JOHN 5:3, yet ar... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT SITTETH, as the Judge upon his tribunal, and as the King of the whole world upon his royal throne; who, without stirring from his place, can with one look or word destroy all his enemies. IN THE HEAVENS: this is opposed to their being and reigning upon earth, PSALMS 2:2, and is mentioned her... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN; in the midst of all their plots and confidences of success. SHALL HE SPEAK TO THEM IN HIS WRATH; he shall severely rebuke them, not so much verbally as really, by dreadful judgments. For God's _speaking_ is oft put for his actions; and so here it is explained by _vexing_ in the next branch. Or... [ Continue Reading ]
YET; notwithstanding all their artifices and powerful combinations. HAVE I SET, Heb. _I have anointed_, i.e. designed, appointed, or constituted, as this word is commonly used in Scripture, as of priests, 1 CHRONICLES 29:22, and of prophets, 1 KINGS 19:16,19,20; so also of kings, JUDGES 9:8,15 2 SAM... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL DECLARE, or _publish_, that all people concerned may take notice of it, and submit to it upon their peril. Publication or promulgation is essential to all laws or statutes. THE DECREE, or, _concerning the decree_, i.e. the will or pleasure and appointment of God concerning my advancement into... [ Continue Reading ]
ASK OF ME; claim or demand it of me, as thy right by my promise, and thy birth and purchase. FOR THINE INHERITANCE; to be possessed and enjoyed by thee in a manner of an inheritance, to wit, constantly, surely, and perpetually. THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH; either, 1. The whole land of Canaan,... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU SHALT BREAK THEM, i.e. those people that will not quietly submit to thee, shall be crushed and destroyed by thee. WITH A ROD OF IRON; with thy mighty power, which they shall never be able to resist.... [ Continue Reading ]
BE WISE; understand your true interest. Now, whilst you have time and space for repentance and submission. O YE KINGS; you and your people. But he speaks of and to kings only; partly, because they most needed the admonition, as presuming upon their own power and greatness, and thinking it below them... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH FEAR, i.e. with reverence, and an awful sense of his great and glorious majesty, as very careful and diligent to please him, and afraid to offend him. REJOICE; do not esteem his yoke your dishonour and grievance; but know that it is a greater glory and happiness to be the subjects of this King,... [ Continue Reading ]
KISS, in token of your subjection and adoration; whereof this was a sign among the Eastern nations, as is manifest both from Scripture, as 1 SAMUEL 10:1 1 KINGS 19:18 HOSEA 13:2, and from heathen authors. Submit to his person and government. THE SON, to wit, the Son of God, as appears from PSALMS 2:... [ Continue Reading ]