1000 Songs/Why do the nations rage Ps 002

Why do the nations rage Ps 002

Text

(1) Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? (2) The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, (3) “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” (4) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. (5) He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, (6) “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” (7) I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. (8) Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. (9) You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” (10) Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. (11) Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. (12) Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalms 2:1-12 Translated in the NIV by Bible Gateway.

Author

The author of the text is not directly mentioned, however, it appears to be clearly written by King David. This can be seen in Acts 4:24-26.

Translations/Challenges

The main translation differences that are found in this Psalm have to do with it's modern day application. Some individuals will claim that this Psalm is simply pointing towards God's "appointed one" which can be interpreted a variety of ways, while other believe it to be a messianic Psalm, claiming that the Pslam translates to say "His Christ." Clearly the implications of this Psalm being messianic in nature give the Psalm a very New Covenant viewpoint.

There are other translation controversies that are laid out and described here.

Editor's Choice

Pslam 2 set to music by Karl Kohlhase

Music

Due to the nature of the Pslams, there has never been a standard arrangement for Pslam 2, however, there have been a number of arrangements.

Arrangements

Editor's Choice

Background

The Psalm's meaning is most likely two fold. On one hand, it is referring to the literal King David and his reign over opposing nations of Israel. However, on the other hand, the Psalm has language that continually points towards a more divine meaning. As the phraseology continues, it becomes more apparent that the author of the Psalm is clearly referring to a divine character in this "anointed figure" that is mentioned.

Author biography

King David is Israel's second king and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. He lived from 1040 B.C. - 970 B.C. David is unofficially credited with the composing of most Psalms, even though many Psalms cannot technically be credited to him.

Author's circumstances

Considering that this Psalm is most likely accredited to David in Acts, it is possible that this Psalm was written during David's reign as king as an expression of woe concerning the human condition and its relation to his rule. It can been seen as an expression of David's frustration in the people of Israel and as well as it's enemies in their tendency to reject God's appointed. David may also be speaking from a place of desire. He may be asking God to pour blessing and favor on his reign over Israel.

Cultural setting

The ideal that are brought forth in this Psalm are still completely relevant in today's culture. Even in Christianity today, we continually take God's "anointed one" for granted and get in petty quarrels over insignificant matters. The idea of the Psalm is that the people of God can either submit and receive a blessing from God or defy him, and experience the wrath of God. This same idea can be applied to today's culture in a much more subvert and concealed ways.

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