What does Psalms 2:6 Mean?

Study Notes

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 Psalms 2:1-3 . The inspired interpretation of this is in Acts 4:25-28 which asserts its fulfilment in the crucifixion of Christ.

(2) The derision of Jehovah Psalms 2:4 that men should suppose it possible to set aside His covenant 2 Samuel 7:8-17 and oath Psalms 89:34-37 .

(3) The vexation Psalms 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 Matthew 24:29 which immediately precedes the return of the King. Matthew 24:30 .

(4) The establishment of the rejected King upon Zion Psalms 2:6 .

(5) The subjection of the earth to the King's rule Psalms 2:7-9 and

(6) the present appeal to the world powers. Psalms 2:10-12 . See Psalms 8, next in order of the Messianic Psalms. (Note. Psalms 2, 8, 16, 22, 23, 24, 40, 41, 45, 68, 69, 72, 89, 102, 110, , 118. are considered as Messianic. It is not questioned that many other Psalms also refer to Christ.

Verse Meaning

Because God had installed His king on the throne of Israel, any rebellion against him would prove futile ultimately. God established the kings of Israel-with greater or less stability on their earthly thrones-depending on their submission to the throne in heaven. David was very faithful to represent God, though not completely faithful, so God established his throne quite solidly, which involved ability to control the nations around him. Jesus Christ was completely faithful to carry out God"s will on earth. He will, therefore, completely dominate His enemies. Other prophets also referred to the coming Messiah as David (cf. Is. 55:3-4; Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:24-25; Ezekiel 37:24-25). [source][source]

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"Zion" is the name of the Canaanite city built on Mount Moriah that David conquered ( 2 Samuel 5:7). It became known as Jerusalem. Later, "Zion" was the term used to refer to the top area of that mount where the temple stood. It occurs frequently in the psalms as a poetic equivalent of Jerusalem, especially the future Jerusalem. [source][source]

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Context Summary

This is one of the sublimest of the Psalms, and can find its fulfillment only in our Lord. See Acts 4:25; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5; Revelation 2:27. The mold in which the psalm is cast is highly dramatic.

The determined hate of the peoples, Psalms 2:1-3

Rage conveys the idea of gesticulations and cries of frenzy. For Psalms 2:2, see Luke 23:12-13; Acts 4:25-26.

The divine tranquillity, Psalms 2:4-6

The scene shifts to heaven. In spite of all, the eternal purpose moves on. I have set-that is, "anointed." "Messiah" and "Christ" alike mean anointed, Acts 10:38.

The manifesto of Messiah, Psalms 2:7-9

Before time began He was the only begotten Son of God, John 17:5. But His sonship was declared at His resurrection, Acts 13:30-37. The world is His, to be won by the Cross and intercession.

Overtures of peace, Psalms 2:12

Kiss, 1 Samuel 10:1. This psalm closes as the first began, "Oh, the blessedness!" [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalm 2

¹  The kingdom of Christ
¹⁰  Kings are exhorted to accept it