This page is devoted to my devotional writing. My recent work includes an exposition of Psalm 2, entitled The King’s Anthem: A Royal Psalm of Praise to the Sovereign Christ. These devotionals are e-mailed on a weekly basis. If you are interested in subscribing or in getting more information about my devotional writing, please contact me through the contact link. I trust you will find these writings instructive in sound doctrine and spiritually edifying to your soul.
“The King’s Anthem: A Royal Psalm of Praise to the Sovereign Christ
by Stephen M. Cope
Introductory Comments:
Every nation has its national anthem; every empire its march of triumph, and every monarch their ode of praise with which they celebrate their power, their prestige, their honor and their glory. But while every tribe, kingdom, nation, empire and state will fall, and their earthly song be forgotten by the passage of time, one King remains forever upon His throne and one Sovereign will always receive an anthem of praise, adoration and worship from his people. Who is this King of everlasting glory? Who is this Sovereign who shall never be dethroned, but shall be worshiped forever and ever? Who is the ruler whose hymn of praise shall endure for all eternity? My dear friend, this reigning monarch is King Jesus, the seed of Abraham, the heir to David’s throne, and yet David’s Lord. This King holds an everlasting throne and rules with a rod of iron and a scepter of justice and righteousness. This King is a judge who always judges rightly. This King is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, a Savior, a Redeemer of sinners and a gracious, kind and merciful Lord who loves every one of his elect with an infinite and unchanging love. This theme of the kingship of Jesus Christ is one that is often neglected in our post-modern egalitarian age which exalts the individual with his or her rights far above the rule and law of the sovereign God. Therefore in these devotionals, I should like to offer a few simple observations on this 2nd psalm written by King David so many centuries past, and yet clearly a prophetic psalm that speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ, His kingship, His sovereign rule over the nations, and His triumph over His enemies and all manifestations of evil, and of His everlasting love for all His saints.
We live in a day of growing chaos and anarchy. All around us, institutions that once appeared unmovable are now being shaken to their core, and men, fearing great destruction and loss of life, property or comfort and happiness, have joined the chorus of anger, rage, frustration and despair that has come to characterize the age in which we now live. And yet the Scripture presents quite a contrasting view of our world from what we would have if left to own knowledge and observation. If we who trust in Christ were to look at the world with no spiritual insight from the Word of God, then we too might be driven to despair and misery by the events in our time. But the Scripture gives us every reason to hope. Yes, the world is in chaos around us, and the Scripture tells us the origins of that chaos and that it is no new thing upon the earth (Ecclesiastes 1:9). But the Scripture also instructs us there is One who is greater than the raging of the heathen; there is one who is mightier then the forces of evil and rebellion; there is a ruler who is unshaken by the winds of time and change and who remains constant every moment of every day. Who is this one? His name is Jesus, and he is a King reigning forever on the throne of David. This is the message of the 2nd psalm and a message that I believe God would have His people consider in every age until Christ returns. But it is one that I believe is especially needed in our own day in the midst of the chaos we see all around us.
Dear Christian, do you find yourself cast down this day? Are discouraged by the weight of your sin and guilt? Are you distressed for the hand of the wicked and the sinner presses hard against you in the trial of your faith? Are you grieved because of the spiritual deadness of your own soul or of the spiritual deadness that afflicts your friends, your family members and your fellow men? Are you troubled because evil appears to have gained the upper hand all around you and you are feeling like the walls have crumbled and the enemy is rushing in like flood? Then my dear beloved, look to this Psalm for this Psalm is for you. Christ is the reigning King over His church and over the nations right now. Oh, I admit that the vagaries of eschatology leave open the possibility that according to some commentators a greater expression of Christ’s kingship remains yet to come in a millennial kingdom or in other events leading to the consummation of all things before the saints enter into the glories of eternity (this subject I shall not attempt to untangle for you as I have neither the exegetical skill nor theological prowess to do so). But of one thing I am sure and that is this: Christ is king even now and He is ruling over the nations with a rod of iron. For what did Apostle say? “He must reign until He has put all enemies under His feet.” (I Corinthians 15:25) No, Christian, we do not need to despair whatever our circumstances or troubles may be. Christ is King, and He holds all the powers of the earth, whether emperors, presidents, kings or judges, governors and magistrates, generals or warriors, conquerors or criminals, He holds them all in His hand, and He turns their hearts as channels of water wherever He chooses (Proverbs 21:1). We are in the hand of the King of kings, and we have nothing to fear. He has pledged Himself to our salvation, and no man can stand against that that decree or prevent its enactment. Christian, lift up your head and worship and praise the King with His royal anthem of praise which God has given to His people for the strengthening of the souls to prepare them battles yet come.
“Lift up your heads, O you gates,
and be lifted up, you everlasting doors,
and the King of Glory shall come in.”
Psalm 24:7
“Psalm 2: A Messianic Psalm”
“Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His anointed, saying,
‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.’
He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision.
Then he shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in his deep displeasure:
‘Yet I have set My King on my holy of Zion.’
‘I will declare the decree:
The LORD has said to Me, You are My Son, today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for your inheritance,
and the ends of the earth for Your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to
pieces like a potter’s vessel.’’
Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
when His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.”
Psalm 2
In the psalm before us, we have some of the richest poetry in all of scripture. The imagery is regal, and the scene is one of grandeur and majesty. The raging peoples of the earth cannot overpower or dethrone the Almighty God. Despite their opposition and warfare against the LORD’s anointed, God’s kingdom is established upon the earth and the enemies of God and his Messiah are conquered and defeated by the everlasting rule of God’s own chosen monarch. Such a theme can only be found in the Book of God. Nations may rise up against righteousness and empires may declare themselves greater than God himself, but God alone remains on His throne, and no kingdom on earth can dethrone him! Right from outset, even if we do not understand all the theology packed into these few verses, any true believer will walk away with great comfort, knowing that our God is the God who reigns over the nations and indeed, as the prophet said, the nations are as a drop in the bucket, and dust upon the scales blown away by a single breath from the mouth of the King of Heaven (Isaiah 40:15).
But in pondering the psalm further, two questions immediately arise: 1. who is the author of the Psalm, and more importantly, 2. whom is the subject or principle person described in this Psalm? As to the first question, no author is ascribed in the text before us, but the New Testament scriptures leave a clear witness as to the identity of the author of this particular psalm. In Acts 4, when the Jewish leaders began persecuting the apostles, we read of the early church gathering for prayer, and the Holy Spirit recorded their prayer for us to read. And what is the significance of that recorded prayer to this psalm? Ah, dear Christian, here we have a perfect example of how the New Testament scriptures are the divine interpretation the Old Testament scriptures! Notice what the Holy Spirit records for our instruction in that early chapter of the book of Acts:
“And being let go [from the Jewish leaders and the priests],
they [the apostles, Peter and John] went to their own companions
and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord
said: ‘Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea,
and all that is in them, who
by the mouth of Your servant, David,
have said:
Why do the nations rage, and the people plot vain things?
The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers were
gathered together against the Lord and His Christ.”
(Acts 4:23-25)
Notice carefully what God the Holy Spirit has recorded for his people in these three verses from Acts 4. Consider three introductory observations regarding this New Testament interpretation of this psalm: First notice the clear and divine declaration of the author of this psalm. David, Israel’s greatest king, and the author of most of the Psalms is said to be the author of this particular Psalm before us. But please note that I said the divine declaration of who write this Psalm. David was but the messenger of this Psalm. It was God whom the apostles affirmed as speaking in Psalm 2. And let us remember that these words in Acts 4 were not just written by Luke the historian giving to the church an account of what had happened as the Spirit began to advance the cause of Christ in Jerusalem. No, these words are not just human words, but they are the words of God Himself, and the Holy Spirit’s own commentary for us who wrote this second Psalm.
Dear Christian, consider the most important truth from this passage. It is true that God has not revealed certain matters us, and at times the scripture may be a mysterious book, but when it comes to the person and work of Jesus Christ, God never leaves us in doubt as to what he would have us know concerning his Son and the atoning work he provides. So here, in this text, God tells us most plainly who wrote the second psalm, and indeed, how appropriate is it that the author of the King’s anthem should be the man after the King’s own heart, David, Israel’s greatest earthly king, and the father of the royal line from which our King, King Jesus, David’s Son and yet David’s Lord, should arise. Therefore, let us use the words of the Holy Spirit who spoke through David written so many centuries ago with which we too may praise the King of kings.
A second observation regarding this New Testament interpretation of Psalm 2 is the New Testament’s clear affirmation regarding the divine inspiration of this psalm. It was God the Holy Spirit who moved David to write this piece of poetry hundreds of years before to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostles and followers of Jesus in the first century did not see the Old Testament scriptures as simply a book of good moral advice or devout religious teachings. No indeed! The early church viewed this Psalm along with the other 149 psalms, and indeed all of the Old Testament scripture as the very words of God, originating with God himself, and though spoken and written by men, even the words were the very words of the living God! David was simply God’s messenger who would deliver the message of Jesus Christ to his own generation. But the words came from God himself and they communicated a divine message about a divine King and the savior of all God’s elect. Thus, at the very outset of our study of this psalm, let us note the significant highlight that the New Testament gives to us concerning this portion of Holy Scripture:
“God. . . . who have said:
“Why do the nations rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?”
God spoke this word through David to those in David’s generation; but it was not given only to David’s generation or just to the generation of the apostles. God has preserved it for you and for me in our Bibles, and therefore, these words are for us and for our learning that we might be made complete in all doctrine and for life now upon earth and for all eternity. Dear Brother and Sister in Christ, as we come to examine this Psalm, we shall at times have to enter into the abstract realm of theological and technical interpretation, but let us always remember that these words we are studying are not the mere words of men, but the eternal and everlasting words of God who has spoken so that his people might know him and love him and serve for all eternity.
Notice with me a third observation concerning this text in Acts 4: The apostles did more that just simply quote from Psalm 2; no, they interpreted the Psalm for us, or rather, to be more precise, the Holy Spirit in recording this incident through the careful writing of doctor Luke has interpreted this Psalm for us. Note carefully the words in verses 27-28 which follow the quotation of the psalm:
“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom
You anointed, both Herod and Pontus Pilate, with the Gentiles
and the people of Israel were gathered together to do
whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined
before to be done.”
Acts 4:27-28
According to the apostles, and indeed, according to the dictates of the Holy Spirit, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were the primary fulfillment of this Psalm written by David so many centuries earlier. This psalm was more than just a beautiful piece of poetry. It was a prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah, of his saving work, and of his kingly rule. And here in Acts 4, we have recorded the divine fulfillment of this prophecy in the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thus we have an answer to our two questions: 1.who wrote this psalm, and 2. who is the psalm about. The New Testament emphatically answers both questions with powerful clarity. Who wrote this Psalm? God the Holy Spirit wrote it, speaking through David as the human messenger of the divine word. Who is the Psalm about? This short but regal hymn is primarily a revelation of Jesus Christ, God’s eternal son, the appointed Messiah, and the savior of God’s people, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Therefore, as we meditate upon its words, and thinks upon its message, let us remember that what is written here was written to tell us about Jesus Christ-his power to save sinners and his sovereign rule in executing the divine decree of God in bringing many sons into glory. It is for this reason then that I have entitled our meditations upon this psalm, the King’s Anthem: A Royal Psalm of Praise to the Sovereign Christ. My prayer is as you, dear reader, commence these studies in Psalm 2, you will see your savior, your great high priest and your king, Jesus Christ, high and lifted up, and that as a result, you will seek to know him and serve him which is to have eternal life.
“Psalm 2: A Trinitarian Psalm”
While the primary theme of Psalm 2 is the sovereign reign of God’s Messiah, let us not miss what in the humble opinion of this author is a very important secondary theme that fully compliments the major theme of this psalm. That secondary theme is what I would call the Trinitarian nature of Psalm 2. Indeed what we have before us are the very words of God, and therefore, God is speaking in ALL twelve verses of the psalm, but as we read, we quickly find both the Father AND the Son speaking through the course of this hymn. But I would submit to you that the third person of the Holy Trinity, God the Holy Spirit, is also a speaker in the Psalm and the message he gives is just as essential in exalting Jesus Christ and his sovereign rule as are the other parts of this inspired portion of God’s word.
But you may ask where precisely do we find the Spirit speaking other than the fact that he is the agent of the divine inspiration of all the Holy Scripture and therefore, of this Psalm? Ah, dear Christian, as with all questions of such a nature, let us consider the very structure of the psalm itself and see how God the Holy Spirit has given such an indication of who is speaking even in the very arrangement of the words of this Divinely written poem! In our English Bibles, we find the Psalm divided into 12 verses, and those 12 verses are composed into 4 distinct stanzas that expound the theme of the Messiah’s rule. The stanzas are quite natural and can be broken down this way:
Verses 1-3 are Stanza 1
Verses 4-6 are Stanza 2
Verses 7-9 are Stanza 3
Verses 10-12 are Stanza 4.
If one examine each stanza carefully, you will note there is a distinct voice present in each stanza, and though the message of each stanza is the same-the glory and majesty of the reign of the Messiah-yet each voice is distinct and offers a unique proclamation and application of the doctrine of the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. One essential characteristic of Hebrew poetry is flow of thought, and this psalm is a good example of that flow of thought or logical precision that works itself out in an artistic expression. Consider the following flow of thought as presented in the Psalm:
Stanza 1 contains the question of David (since we know that David is the human author of these words) concerning the rage of the unbelieving nations and peoples of the world. This question is then followed by an observation concerning the extreme depth this human rage as it is ultimately focused upon God and his divinely appointed Messiah.
Stanza 2 turns the focus from earth to heaven as we are presented with the Divine response to the rebellion of the unbelieving generation that David is witnessing. That response is followed by the Divine pronouncement that such active rebellion will not unseat God from his throne, but that indeed, the King that God has appointed, the Messiah, shall reign unshaken and unmoved by this aggressive and angry attack upon his rule.
Stanza 3 is still part of the divine response, but the speaker has changed and it is not God the Father, but God the Son, the Messiah himself, speaking for God and declaring the eternal counsels of the Godhead regarding the Sovereign purpose of redeeming a people unto Himself through the meditorial work of Jesus Christ. This declaration of the Son climaxes with the infallible promise that the rebellion against God and his rule will be crushed by Christ himself.
In Stanza 4, the Speaker once again changes and we are presented with the application of the doctrine give to us in Stanzas 2 and 3. But while in once sense the voice is that of the narrator as seen in Stanza 1, yet Stanza 4 possesses a distinct emphasis in both content and tone that is not found in Stanza 1 which leads this author to conclude that while David is definitely the speaker in stanza 1 (though under inspiration of course), and is certainly the human author of stanza 4, yet there is a fourth speaker in the 4th stanza of the second psalm. This speaker in stanza 4 (verses 10-12) is the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity.
Now it is true that in a sense David is the speaker in stanza 4, and that the difference in voice is not quite as clear as that in stanzas 2 and 3 from Stanza 1. But while the wording of Stanza 1 could be described as that of an inquiry, not at all dogmatic except in what the speaker is observing, the language of Stanza 4 is clearly that of a command, and a divine command directed to all the nations, indeed to the entire world. Therefore, this author contends that verses 10-12 contains the command of the Holy Spirit to all lesser human authorities who rule upon the earth, and that command concerns the proper application of this doctrine of the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ over the nations. We offer this interpretation for two (2) simple reasons: First, as we have already seen from Acts 4, this psalm was clearly inspired by the Holy Spirit, and therefore, all the words in each four stanzas are not just those of David, but of the Holy Spirit himself. But second, consider the flow of thought (which is crucial to understanding the nature of Hebrew poetry) through each stanza:
Stanza 1 starts with a question, an inquiry arising from observing the chaos which surrounds the speaker.
Stanza 2 not only answer the question, but counters the perspective in Stanza 1 with that of a Heavenly perspective, a divine perspective, and most important, a perspective that is unshaken by the chaos observed in the 1st stanza.
Stanza 3 explains the reason for the stability offered in the second stanza, and that stability in Heaven is rooted in the divine decree and the gracious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And Stanza 4 offers the pointed and direct application of that doctrine as it applies to the nations, and closes with a divine blessing upon all who will receive the Word of God with faith, repentance and humility. Thus the very flow of thought would seem to indicate that the speaker in this fourth stanza is not just David delivering a word from the Lord, (though indeed there is nothing wrong with that conclusion) but indeed, what more fitting climax could be attached to such a grand anthem as this as to hear God himself speaking to the nations and commanding their obedience and submission to His word, His will, and most of all, His only Begotten Son.
Therefore, in light of the view I have just explained, I offer the following outline of Psalm 2 for the purpose of our study and examination of this portion of God’s most holy and infallible word:
I. David’s Question and Inquiry as to the cause of the rage of the nations against God. (Verses 1-3)
II. God’s Answer and Pronouncement against the Rage of the Nations (Verses 4-6)
III. The Son’s Declaration of the Father’s Decree that the Son is to rule over the nations (Verses 7-9)
IV. The Holy Spirit’s command to all lesser authorities to submit to the King of Kings (Verses 10-12a)
V. God’s Blessing upon all who trust in Christ (Verse 12b)
Thus, in these 12 verses, we see the full orb of Biblical Revelation set before us: We see the questions and quandaries of men regarding the chaotic world in which we live; we see the divine sovereignty of God over all his creation; we the depths of man’s depravity as he rises up against the LORD and his anointed; we see divine judgment upon the sin of men; we see God’s grace in extending salvation to all the nations through the work of Jesus Christ; we see a sovereign Christ ruling and reigning from Heaven, unshaken by the devices and plots of sinners; we see the full extent of the kingdom of God, and in full conformity to the grace of God, we see an offer of peace and salvation granted to all who look to Christ for a full and final salvation. Oh, brother and sister, is it not the case that so often in one short passage of scripture we find the full scope of God’s revelation set forth in such simple and elementary expressions? Just consider the very structure of the Psalm itself: We have a human author-David-who being divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote the very words of God. Is this not an example of our Old and New Testament scriptures? We have the sin of man set clearly before us, and does not the scripture start by showing where sin and evil came from? We have the Father’s judgment upon sin clearly laid out, and does not even Genesis recount the various acts of divine judgment upon man’s sin. We have the gospel of grace set before us even in the first verses of the Psalm itself, and does not the gospel appear right at the beginning of our Bibles? We have Christ exalted in the center of the Psalm and Christ speaking for the Father, and did not Christ himself teach us in the Gospels that He is the very image of the Father and that He himself reveals the Father to us? And does not our Bible end with the Spirit exalting Christ in both the epistles and in the final prophecy of Revelation? Ah Christian, we have in this psalm a mini-Bible, a mini-picture of the entire work of God in glorifying his name through the work of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in redeeming a chosen people unto himself for his own glory. This is the gospel message and it is recorded in the very pages of scripture, and revealed for us even in the structure of the Psalm and the manner in which we ought to study it. Therefore, in the essays to come, I should like to use this outline as a theme or guide posts for our consideration of this portion of scripture that I should like to call the King’s Anthem: A Royal Psalm of Praise to the Sovereign Christ.
Stanza 1: David’s Inquiry
“Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and His anointed, saying,
‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.’“
Psalm 2:1-3
In approaching the first stanza of this psalm of praise to the Sovereign Christ, one is immediately impressed with the very relevancy and practicality of the scripture to our circumstances and times! Too many want to paint the Bible as book that is out of touch with man’s condition, and claim that modernity or post-modernity has in some way moved man to such an extreme position that God’s word has no practical application to us in our every day life. How often do we hear that the Bible is not a relevant book for our contemporary age? It was written long ago, and at a time when the problems of our day were unheard of. How then can we expect this ancient book of antiquity to be of any practical value to us, such advanced post-Modern people that we are. Ah, dear friend, only the unbelieving heart makes such assertions! Only “the fool has said in his heart there is no God.” (Psalm 53:1) Only the unbeliever ignores the clear declaration of the wise preacher, “There is NOTHING new under the sun.” (Eccl. 1:9) And if ever there was a text to illustrate the timeliness of scripture, it is this text before us, and in particular, David’s question concerning the rage of the nations.
Consider David’s question carefully: “Why do the nations rage? Why do the peoples plot a vain thing?” What does this question say about the times in which David lived? David observes the unbelieving pagans and Gentile nations around him, and what does he see? Does he see as the post-modern historian and anthropologist would have us believe, innocent natives living in perfect harmony one with another, unspoiled by technology and social advance? Does he see men enjoying an ancient paradise of bliss and harmony as the Philistines, the Egyptians, the Syrians, the Jebusites, the Hittites, and the Gibeonites, and even his own Jewish brethren embrace their common human brotherhood to create a perfect utopia? No, quite the contrary, he sees the nations around him in a rage against one another, fighting, quarreling, and in constant strife one against another. And such is the extent of their rage, their anger, their warfare with their fellow man, that David must ask himself, “Why do the nations rage?” and “Why do the people plot a vain thing?” Dear Christian, is it not a manifestation of God’s wisdom that he not only give us an answer to such questions, but as in our ignorance and depravity we do not often know what questions to ask about life under the sun, so he also provides for us the right questions to ask? Herein is the wisdom of God displayed in that He knows our thinking and knows that we do not know or understand the world in which we live, and so He not only gives us answers to our questions, he teaches us what questions we should ask when we examine our world and our times. And when we come to consider our world, its history, its progress, its condition, and the circumstances of the nations and the peoples, let us not look to man’s wisdom or the philosopher or scholar or the academic to find not only the answers to the great questions, but to even understand what questions should be asked. Instead let us look to the Word of the living God, and therein we shall find in such simplicity and at the same time such depths of wisdom, both in what questions we should ask and the answers to life’s most pressing inquiries.
Consider another observation regarding the relevancy of David’s question to our own circumstances: The unchanging condition of man’s depravity and sin. Think again not just upon David’s question, but his inquiry in the entire stanza. Nations are raging; people are plotting and scheming; kings, rulers, judges, and authorities are setting themselves up against God, and openly fighting against God’s appointed Messiah and calling for open rebellion against the God of heaven. Consider that David witnessed all this behavior in his own day. David saw first hand the wickedness of men and even experienced the wickedness of his own heart as he himself fell into great sin. But if we note the New Testament’s use of this Psalm, we see that the apostles and first century Christians witnessed the same phenomenon: The Pharisees rising up against the Christ, and Roman rulers putting Jesus to death. And then the subsequent persecution that the apostles faced because preached the name of Jesus to those in Jerusalem(Acts 4). And what do we see in our own day: Wars, conflict, fighting, politicians and government leaders scheming and plotting; religious war and terrorism, financiers stealing from the poor and corrupt judges protecting the guilty while punishing the innocent. Ah, dear Christian, the scene does not change, though many centuries have come and gone since David wrote these words! And yet, we still find ourselves asking David’s question written centuries before our time. We too look at the world around us and ask, “Why do the nations rage?”
Christian, as strange as this truth may sound, let these words be a comfort to you: Man has not changed one bit, and even though we have seen great progress, and the world has changed much since David’s day, yet in many ways, as the old saying goes, the more the world changes, the more it stays the same. Brother and Sister, there is great comfort in this truth because if when we see man still raging like a sinner, then we know that not only what the Bible says about sinful men is true, but what it says about God and his sovereignty over sinful men is also true. Oh, the raging of the nations may take us by surprise, and indeed, may cause us great distress of heart, mind and soul, but Christian, take heart, God is NOT surprised by the raging of the nations. As this psalm will set forth, not only is He not surprised, but indeed he has an answer to their rage, and he is fully sovereign over it, even using their rebellion for the advance of His own name, glory and kingdom upon the earth!
Dear Christian, do you find yourself doubting the reliability, the practicality and the usefulness of the scripture for your own condition and circumstances? Then let the truth of these verses sink deep into your heart. Not only does the Bible give an accurate description of the condition of the nations and of the world, but it gives an accurate description of the depravity of your heart and mine. But praise God, it also gives a very accurate and completely trustworthy account of the way in which we can be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Christian, think on this thought: God NEVER tells a lie! God always tell the truth about any matter. And not only does he tell the truth, but God never speaks in riddles. Oh, I must confess, that often I find I do not understand the scripture because my own unbelieving heart or by my own ignorance brought on by sin that keeps me from understanding the word of God. But praise be to God, he gives us His Spirit to illumine and to enlighten our minds that we might understand the very words He has spoken for our understanding. To borrow the old expression that some men when speaking “beat around the bush,” I prefer to respond with this: God NEVER beats around the bush, but he sets the bush on fire, because he knows we are like dumb sheep and without a burning bush to stop us in our paths, we should miss His words entirely and run over a cliff or into a lost darkness forever. Dear friend, this day, thank God that he has spoken plainly and simply in His word, and all he asks of us is that we should just believe it and take Him at His word.
The Unchanging Reality of International Rage
“Why do the nations rage. . . ?“
Psalm 2:1a
Before considering the answer to David’s inquiry which the Psalm does provide and which God willing we shall examine later consider first the very nature of David’s question and what it reveals about the unchanging reality of the international scene no matter what time or in what place in which one may live. In the last century, men from all over the world spoke much of creating a lasting peace upon the earth between all nations and mankind. With this goal in mind, they created institutions, passed laws, signed treaties, destroyed weapons, and agreed to pacts, and yet what did these efforts accomplished in the in the last century? Have we witnessed the rise of peace among nations and men? No, quite the opposite happened instead. The 20th century which we passed out of only 13 years age is regarded by most historians as the bloodiest century in mankind’s brief history upon this earth. In those 100 years, we witnessed constant warfare, destruction and havoc brought on by nations from around the globe engaging in wholesale destruction against their fellow men and neighboring states on every imaginable level. And what has the first 13 years of the 21st century given to us? We have witnessed the rise of war and global terrorism the likes of which the world has not seen for quite some time. Yet despite all this, men still continue to talk of creating a lasting peace on earth. But what does the scripture say about international relations in this sin cursed world of ours? If God is the King of the nations, then surly he must have spoken upon the condition and state of how nations relate to each other. And indeed our text reveals that He spoken on this matter! And what does the Holy Spirit instructs us concerning the condition of world affairs? Will men live harmoniously in a common brotherhood so often boasted of by the Modern and the Post-Modern? Not at all! Indeed, if ever the was a portion of scripture to remind us of the desperate effects of sin upon international relations, it is this text before us.
Consider carefully the very word used by the Holy Spirit to describe the nature of international relations. The word, rage, in this text communicates the idea of thronging in a tumultuous manner much like that of thugs, mobs or criminals boisterously gathering to inflict harm upon those who are weak and helpless. Consider then that when the Holy Spirit poses this question for our consideration, he does not describe the nations as civilized political states with refined culture and manners. Quite the contrary, God declares that the nations are raging, thronging, and creating great tumult within their own borders as well as with each other. And what does the history of mankind reveal? Oh, we may find that some civilizations mask their rage quite well with sophistication, using music, literature, technology and fine manners in their outward behavior, but such refinery never fools the Almighty for he sees the heart of men and women the world over and raging done in public or in secret-both are seen by God in Heaven. And while men may admire the outward beauties of any civilization, the nations that will not fear God or heed His word are the nations that God describes as raging tumultuously against the LORD and His Anointed.
Dear Christian, do not be discouraged when you these things, but take courage instead! What did Jesus tell his disciples: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass. . . .”(Matthew 24:6). Christ told his disciples that until the consummation of the ages, war must occur on the earth. And nations that will not acknowledge God or fear His name or submit to His rule will suffer the consequences of sin by knowing nothing but war and conflict. What does the prophet say about the wicked: “There is no peace, says my God for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:21) My friends, no matter how troubling the international scene before us may be, we need not fear even though the earth be removed and the mountains be cast into the midst of the sea (Psalm 46:1). God is still on his throne, and the nations will rage until the end of time. But take heart, Christian. Not only has Christ said these things must happen, but when the consummation of the ages comes to pass, then we who belong to Christ will know peace in all its fullness as sin will be erased from the earth forevermore and we will be forever with the Lord. Even so, Come Lord Jesus!
“The Significance of an Individual Life”
“Why do. . . the people plot a vain thing?“
Psalm 2:1b
In our previous essay, we considered the unchanging reality of international warfare among all nations of the earth. But David does not inquire about only the nations at large. He also considers the individuals of each nation group and asks, why do the people plot a vain thing? It is not only the global rage that David observes. He also notes that people, individuals, small groups, elite clubs, cartels, and collections of power brokers gather in secret to plot and scheme in a grandiose fashion. And indeed, this scheming goes hand in hand with the international rage that David also witnesses. For what causes this rage among the nations? Is it not the scheming, plotting and conniving of those in power or those longing after temporal and earthly control of the nations and the earth? Here David, or rather the Holy Spirit comes right to the ultimate cause of the reality of constant warfare among the nations. The nations rage because the peoples of those nations plot and scheme for power, control and dominion over others both within and without their nation state.
Dear Christian, here is a lesson for every true follower of Jesus Christ: Would you understand the character of a nation? Then seek to know the character of the people of that nation. If the individuals of that nation are God-fearing men and women, then that nation will reflect a godly and Christ-like character. But if the people of that nation are unregenerate, unconverted, not lovers of Christ, but of self and of sin, then the character of that nation will be an evil and corrupt character. Sadly, the history of the world is filled with accounts of nations that did evil continually. Why was that? Ah, friend, it was because the people of that nation did not fear God, did not love His word and His gospel, and did not live by faith in Christ and in obedience to Christ’s word. And here is our lesson: from this truth, we learn of the impact that Christ’s church can have upon the nations of the world. When Christ’s church is strong in faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, understands the truth of pure doctrine, and lives in obedience to Christ’s commands, then a nation, even if not all of its populace is converted, will still know the blessings of God. God has often withheld judgement upon people because of a godly remnant within a society who though small in numbers continued in obedience to the truth of God revealed in His holy word. What God tell Abraham regarding the wicked city of Sodom?
“And He said, ‘I will not destroy it for the sake of ten [people]’”
(Genesis 18:32)
Ah, Christian, do you think your life is insignificant and that what you do in this life is of little consequence? Do you consider your obedience to the commands of Christ to be little importance in the broad scheme of things? Ah friend, not a person on earth may consider your faithfulness to Christ of any value, but God weighs the hearts of men and women all over the world. God sees both our disobedience and obedience to His commands. And God will bless those who are faithful to His word, but will judge those who abandon His truth.
My friend, here we have a most important lesson for each individual, regardless of your station in life. Perhaps you are minister of the gospel; perhaps you are nothing more than a common laborer; perhaps you are young and have no great impact upon those around you. Perhaps you are aged, weak and infirm, and can do little for the outward cause of Christ. Perhaps you think that no one regards you as significant in the church of Christ, and believe that no one sees your testimony. Ah, when we think that way, we are not thinking according to the Spirit, but after the flesh. Satan would have us think that God judges us according to our impact upon others, but that is the standard by which God judges a life.
Consider what the apostle writes in Romans 14:
“For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.
Therefore, if we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
(Romans 14:8)
My friend, God sees your heart. God sees your every deed, and though not a person on earth may understand why you abandon all for Christ, or why you live the way you do so that you may be obedient to the Lord, it matters not for we all live unto the Lord who alone is the judge of all men. And this truth, my friend, is how God changes the course of nations. It is not through power or might or strength that societies are changed for the better. But it is the life lived for Christ and in obedience to His word that will lead nations into godliness.
Dear Friend, do you know Christ as your only Savior and Lord? If not, then flee in faith and repentance to Him today, and he will receive you, forgive you of your sins and make you acceptable in the sight of God. If you do know Christ, and are discouraged that your life appears to be of little consequence, remember this truth: God sees what man cannot see, and God judges by what man cannot judge. God knows your heart, and if you are seeking to obey Him, then he will take note and though you may not see the full blessing or significance in this life, rest assured that your labors for the Lord, whether in ministry or in simple faithfulness in whatever labor God has called you to, will not be un-noted by the God of heaven, but indeed, the very course of your community and nation could be changed for the better by your faithful service to His word and commands.
“The Constant Presence of Vain Schemes”
“Why do. . . the people plot a vain thing?“
Psalm 2:1b
Just as we considered the unchanging reality of international warfare that shall continue until the consummation of the ages, so in the next line of the psalm, David would also remind us of the constant presence of vain and empty schemes by men of power, prestige and position against those whom they view as a threat to their control over others. And as we noted in our previous essay, the raging warfare of nations comes directly from the plotting of the peoples against one another. Indeed, the history of the world is filled with many such examples of men taking control of nations for purpose of their own schemes and plots for power.
Consider many of the great wars and conflicts in the history of mankind: did they not begin with the schemes of men in power to further their own aims for political, economic or even social control? Think of Alexander the Great conquering the known world in his own time, or or Julius Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul, Britain, and then his imperial conquest of the Roman Republic itself. Think of the great Islamic Caliphate of the 9th and 10th centuries or the vast Chinese empire of the ancient world. In more modern times, consider the wars of Europe, the conquests of Napoleon, the British Empire, the Germans, the Russians, and even the more recent empire of the Soviet Union. How did how these terrible exploits come to pass? Was it not because men schemed after power, wealth, prestige, greatness and honor among their fellow men? Dear Christian, think then upon what Jesus told his disciples concerning the kings of the nations:
“And he said to them, “The Kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship
over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called
‘benefactors’”
(Luke 22:25)
Here the Lord Jesus gives to his disciples and to His church important instruction concerning the character of human rulers and of civil government in a sin-cursed world. Without the restraining grace of God, the general practice of kings and those in authority is to exercise lordship, dominion, and control over those whom they govern. But Christ does not stop there. Not only does he acknowledge the general pattern of control exercised by those in authority, but he also recognizes that men under the curse of sin welcome the slavery and bondage brought on by such leaders because as our Lord states, such leaders are called “Benefactors” to the ones that they control and dominate. Time and space does not permit a full exposition of this verse, neither would that be germane to our point. But it is important to note this truth: just as international war will continue on this sin-cursed world until the consummation of the ages, so also will the unregenerate peoples plot and imagine a vain thing. Thus, in this ancient psalm, God the Holy Spirit instructs His people regarding two important lessons for us to understand when viewing the world around us: The Unchanging Reality of International Rage, and the Constant Presence of Vain Schemes.
What lesson are we to take from the doctrine taught in this verse? Ah dear Christian, fear not the schemes of men or the plots of the unbelievers? Why? Because God is greater than all men, and he brings the plans of the people to nothing and defeats the very purposes of all those in power when they contradict His sovereign plan and purpose. What does the Psalmist say?
“The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
He makes the plans of the people of no effect”
(Psalm 33:10)
Men may plot, governments may wage war, nations may rage against one another and people may pursue evil, but God still sits upon His throne, and His purpose shall not be frustrated or turned aside by the scheming of an unbelieving people. No, His counsel shall stand and He shall do all of His good pleasure. Dear Christian, in times of trial and in days where the nations are in constant rage, look up, for the King of nations still reigns and His reign shall be forever.
“The Vanity of Men’s Schemes”
“Why do. . . the people plot a vain thing?“
Psalm 2:1b
According to II Timothy 3:16, every single word of the Holy Scripture was placed there by the Holy Spirit, and therefore every word in the Holy Scripture contains doctrine and instruction for the faith and life of God’s people. The text before us illustrates this truth all too well. Consider the adjective that the Holy Spirit applies to the schemes and plotting of men in this present evil age. God declares that the schemes of men are vain, empty, and of no value whatsoever. How the scriptures cuts right to heart of the matter! The plots of men may be broad and far reaching, complex, and in some cases, may even succeed for a short time, but how does God view their scheming and lust for power and glory? God declares that “the people plot a vain thing.”
Dear Christian, think upon this glorious truth: the plans of kings, rulers, presidents, politicians and generals are of no great significance in the mind of God. Plans of war and weapon building mean nothing to the Almighty. Schemes of business, industry, financial power and the control of the wealth of nations are but worthless enterprises in God’s eye. Whether it be imperial or military, or the destruction of enemies and political opponents, whether it be moral crusades of reform and social change, all these efforts are inconsequential to the God in heaven. He is not moved by the impressive size of their armies and weaponry; He is not shaken by their displays of pomp and glory. No, as we will read later on in this same psalm, God laughs at their schemes and mocks them for their zealous quest for power.
But why does God declare these plots to be vain? Ah, the rest of the Psalm shall make the answer to this question abundantly clear. The plans of the people are vain because their pursuit for glory and power are all done with one motivation: They wish to exclude God from their enterprises. What do we read in next verse? The kings and rulers of the earth set themselves against the LORD and his anointed one. Let us then be instructed. Any plan or scheme or plot, no matter what noble ends it may have in mind, if it is done for the purpose of glorifying man, and not glorifying God, then according to the Scripture, it is a vain thing that has no lasting value before God. Any plan regarding the future that does not take God’s sovereignty into account is a vain plan. What did James write in his epistle?
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will
go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy, sell, and
make profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little
time and then vanishes away.”
(James 4:13-14)
Here is God’s own declaration as to why the plans and plots of men are vain. Men pursue riches, wealth, power, honor, and glory, and yet what becomes of these things? They pass away like vapor driven by the wind. Our lives are but eighty or ninety years, and then we enter into eternity, and none of those earthly successes we gained here accompany us beyond the grave. Let us take to heart the next statement in James’s letter:
“Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord will, we shall live and
do this or that. But now you boast in your arrogance. All such
boasting is evil.”
(James 4:15-16)
God instructs us that even as we make plans for our lives that we do so fully conscious of that divine and mysterious providence that governs our lives and that often God will change our plans for greater purposes that we cannot often see. These words reflect the spirit of the man who fears God. But as for the heathen who not have Christ to reign over them, the last statement of James’s words explain why God declares all such plotting and scheming to be vain. Plans laid without thought of God’s absolute sovereignty over all earthly affairs is evil boasting that shall end in destruction. O let us take the words of James to heart, and seek to live with the attitude, “As the Lord wills, we will do such and such.”
“David’s Meditative Question”
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His [Jehovah’s] law,
he meditates day and night.“
Psalm 1:2
“Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel
together against the LORD and His anointed, saying,
‘Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.“
Psalm 2:1-3
In Psalm 1, we are instructed that the man who meditates upon the word of God daily shall receive a blessing from the LORD (1:1-2). The word translated, meditate, in our English Bibles comes from a Hebrew word which means to mutter to one’s self, or to talk to yourself about matters of importance. These opening verses of Psalm 2 are a wonderful example of the kind of godly and biblical meditating or “muttering to oneself about the things of God” described in Psalm 1. In the opening verses of Psalm 2, we find David not just asking a question, why are the nations raging against one another, but he ponders both the object of their rage and its underlying cause.
What is the object of their rage? They would openly defy the sovereign rule of God over their lives and their affairs. And why would they oppose His rule? The answer is quite simple. They hate God and His anointed King. And in these three verses (Psalm 2:1-3), we have an example of what true Spirit-governed thinking about our world should look like. Consider then with me four observations regarding David’s meditative question concerning the rage of the nations and learn what thinking God’s thoughts after Him looks like.
Note first that David does not ignore the harsh reality of the true condition of men and women in this sin-cursed world. David views the nations as thronging in anger, and views the people, the individuals of those nations, as engaged in sinful and evil pursuits. He notes that those in authority are resisting God’s sovereign rule over their lives and over the government of their nation. And he sees the ultimate focus of this rage and rebellion as against the LORD’s anointed-Jesus Christ.
Dear Christian, today it is fashionable to speak of men and women as being inherently good inside. It is true, all men will admit they are imperfect and make mistakes. Indeed, men will claim that some people pursue evil to its logical ends. But the post-modern man also claims that every person has some element of good within themselves. That men are not inherently evil, but simply pursue evil because we live in an evil world. Ah, how the seared conscience of men and the devil love this lie. It is not man’s fault that evil exists. Evil is but an evolutionary accident of nature, not God’s punishment upon men for their wicked rebellion. How the scripture cuts the heart of this matter. What did Paul write?
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
(Romans 3:23)
Dear Friend, there is one answer regarding the cause of both the rage of nation rages and the vain plots of the people. The answer is sin. All men are sinners. All men are born rebels again against the holy God of heaven. And if we are to think Biblically about the cause of evil in this world, we must began with the reality of sin. And here is the first lesson for us regarding spiritual thinking about men and nations-all men are sinners, and therefore, the character of nation will be determined by the influence and practice of sinners in that nation.
Consider second that David acknowledges that the root of all sin is man’s rebellion against the sovereign rule of God and His chosen King, Jesus Christ. We shall consider this truth in greater detail later, but simply note this one lesson from scripture regarding the nature of sin. What did David say in his great penitential psalm about his own sin (Psalm 51)?
“Against You [the LORD], You only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in Your sight.“
(Psalm 51:4a)
David was not saying that when we sin, our sin does not affect others, or that we do not sin against men. Oh no, the scripture is clear, we do sin against our fellow men, and our sin will affect others. But what David was saying is that ultimately, every sin is attack against the sovereign and righteous rule of God for every sin is an expression of man’s declaration of independence from God’s rule and God’s law. Consider what Satan enticed Eve with in the garden:
“You will be like God.”
(Genesis 3:5b)
Ah, Christian, let us consider the true nature of sin. Though it will hurt others and leave many scars upon those who engage in it, yet in its deepest root and final form, sin is nothing more than rebellion against the God of heaven. Oh, Friend, never forget that at the end of the day, your sin is between you and God, and only faith in Christ and repentance of that sin will bring about peace and reconciliation for you in this life and the life to come.
And here we come to the second and indeed, a most important lesson regarding the rage of the nations and the plots of the people. Why do the nations rage? Why do the peoples plot a vain thing? Ah, it is because men are seek to exalt themselves above the living God. What did James say about wars and fights among both believer and unbelievers? It is because of your lust which grows into sin and evil. (James 4:1-3)
Dear Friend, have you acknowledge before God that you are a sinner? Have you confessed that you are guilty of transgressing and breaking the Holy Law of God? Have you acknowledge your need of a substitute to die for your sins and to present you righteous and holy before God through the merits of another? Oh friend, if you, then you know the joys of sins forgiven, of peace with God, and of a free pardon and full justification before God in Christ. And what blessedness is your’s if this be your situation in life. But if you have not fled to Christ, then my friend, flee to Christ this day. Repent of your sins, confess that you are a sinner, guilty of breaking God’s holy law, and a rebel against His sovereign rule of men and nations. And then you too will know peace and blessing from God on high.
Consider third that David rightly views both nations and individuals as involved in this universal rebellion against the Lord Jesus Christ. Here we have a most instructive lesson for us in our days of postmodern chaos. All the strife, conflict, acts of terrorism and barbarity perpetuated by nations come from from the fact that all men are sinners. The political rage of a government cannot be separated from the reality that there is spiritual rage in the hearts of the people over which that government rules. It has often been said that governments are a reflection of the people they govern. If a people is moral and righteous, then their rulers will be moral and righteous. But if the people are wicked, godless and immoral, then their government will be wicked, godless and immoral. And you cannot separate the wickedness of a nation from the wickedness of its people.
This fact ought to be great conviction upon those in any nation who truly fear God, love His word, love Christ and seek to follow their King and Shepherd in this life. If there is overwhelming wickedness in the land, every believer should ask himself or herself, and search their own heart, have I harbored in sin in my own life? Have I preferred the ways of the world to the commands of Christ? Have I desired the favor or men more than the blessing of God? Have I failed to be faithful to the word of God even at great personal cost? Or have I preferred the comfort and ease of false religion and an easy profession in order to gain an ungodly peace with the wicked? Oh, these are penetrating questions indeed, and ones we do not wish to ask ourselves. But lest you think that I dig to personally, consider Daniel’s prayer for his own nation in the days of Israel’s captivity in Media-Persia recorded for us in Daniel 9. It is beyond the scope of this devotional to examine the entire chapter, but note the following references from Daniel’s prayer in which he pleads with God to keep his promise and end the seventy years of Israel’s captivity. Note carefully the type of personal pronouns that Daniel employs in his prayer to Jehovah:
“Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. And I prayed to the Lord MY God, and MADE CONFESSION, and said, ‘O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, WE have sinned and committed iniquity, WE have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither have WE heeded your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to OUR kings and OUR princes, to OUR fathers and all the people of the land. . . .”
“O Lord, to US belongs the shame of face, to OUR kings, OUR princes, and OUR fathers, because WE HAVE SINNED against You. To the Lord belongs mercy and forgiveness, though WE HAVE REBELLED against Him. WE HAVE NOT OBEYED the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. . . .”
“As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet WE HAVE NOT MADE OUR PRAYER before the LORD our God, that WE MIGHT TURN from OUR iniquities and understand Your truth. Therefore the LORD has kept the disaster in mind, and has brought it upon US; for the LORD OUR God is righteous in all the works which He does, though WE HAVE NOT OBEYED His voice. . .”
(Daniel 9:3-6, 8-10, 13-14)
The context of Daniel’s words is most instructive to us. If we note the statement in verse 1 of this same chapter, Daniel prays to God because he notes that the time of the seventy years of Israel’s captivity are drawing to a close, and he prays that God would keep His covenant promise to Israel to restore her to the land after the seventy years of captivity were complete. Thus, we must conclude that at the time when Israel was taken into captivity, Daniel was but a child or young man, not fully engaged in the affairs of the nation, and therefore, not fully engaged in the nation’s apostasy against the Word of God. But note carefully that when Daniel prays before the Lord, he includes himself in the sins and transgressions committed by the nation as a whole.
So we must ask, why would Daniel include himself in the sins and transgression of the nations? Was he not a prophet of God in his own right? Was he not God’s servant, one blessed of God with wisdom, skill and knowledge? Ah, the answer is quite simple. Daniel understood what David understood. All men are sinners before God. All men are transgressors of God’s holy law, and Daniel did not see himself as an exception to this rule. No, Daniel understood that he was just as guilty as every apostate Israelite who had willfully rejected the words and commands of God in the days of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Amos, and Micah. Daniel understood that without a righteousness outside his own, he could not saved from sin. Daniel understood that he needed a sacrifice for his sin, and that he needed to be cleansed with the blood of the pass over lamb, the lamb of God.
Oh dear Christian, is it not true of us, that after we may have made some progress in our sanctification, in our struggles with sin, that we may start to believe the lie of the devil, that while others are guilty of the sin of unbelief and rejecting the word of God, are we not the faithful ones? Are we not the righteous ones? Ah, dear friend, our righteousness is only found in Jesus Christ, and it is only when we look to Christ that we will have the blessing and favor of God. And when we take our eyes off Christ, and pursue those things that are not pleasing to Christ, then we have engaged the same practical outworking that the outspoken apostate engages in.
Let us seek Christ more earnestly than ever before. Let us seek a knowledge of His word more than ever before. And let us seek to follow Him more earnestly than ever before. For the very course of our nation, our community, and indeed, the entire world could be directed by our witness either for or against the truth of Jesus Christ.
How did David come to understand mankind’s depravity and the wickedness of the world in which he lived? This bring us to consider a fourth observation: David governed his thinking by the Word of God. Dear Christian, where do we gain an understanding of the depths of human sin and depravity? It is certainly not from men we learn of sin. Oh, some men will admit to a limited extent their lack of moral perfection, but how many truly confess as David did confessed even after he had been conceived in his mother’s womb, he was a sinner? (Psalm 51:5) And how did David know that he was sinner, condemned by his or her sin? Ah, my friend, one does not have to read very far in the scripture before one encounters the doctrine of sin. What did Solomon write?
“Truly, this I have found: That God made man upright
but they [mankind] have sought out many schemes.”
(Ecclesiastes 7:29)
Consider that one of the very first accounts we read of man in the scripture is the fall of Adam and Eve into sin (Genesis 3). God made man in a state of innocence without sin, free to chose between obedience to God with blessing until life, or disobedience with cursing unto death. And what did man chose? Ah, beloved, man chose sin and rebellion over God’s righteousness and holy law. And what does Paul say regarding this choice of Adam? Adam did not sin alone, but even as Adam was our representative, so we also sinned in Adam (See Romans 5). Some men like to profess that while Adam chose rebellion against God, they would not have done so. Ah, dear friend, only the foolishness of the human heart makes such sweeping declarations. Why do men sin? The answer is very simple: Men sin because they are sinners by nature and by choice.
But the Old Testament’s presentation of sin doesn’t end in chapter 3. Consider the events recorded in chapter 4. There we read of Cain and Abel, Adam’s sons, and what do we read? Cain, out of the bitterness of his own heart, murdered his brother. And as those early chapters of ancient history unfold, the wickedness of man is presented again and again so that by the time we arrive in Noah’s day, we this:
“Then the LORD saw the wickedness of man was great on the earth,
and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
(Genesis 6:5)
Brother and sister, think of this sobering statement of God’s word. What does the scripture say about man’s nature? The scripture does not paint the picture of man in pastel colors. Man is engaged in one pursuit continually: evil, sin and rebellion against the Holy God of heaven.
There are some in the Christian church who profess that we ought not talk too much about sin for sin, they say, its such a discouraging topic, such a demoralizing topic, and does not uplift those who hear it. Ah, friend, we ought to ask this question: What does the Bible say about sin? And how much does the Bible speak of sin? And I believe the more you read the scripture, the more you will find that the Bible says much about the true nature of man-he is a sinner.
But it is in this context, the true nature and condition of man, that the Bible also presents to us the most glorious message ever given to mankind: Christ died for sinners. Dear friend, why is John 3:16 perhaps the most quoted verse in all of the Bible? If man was not such a terrible sinner, why should rejoice in the death of God’s son? Ah, friend, the glory of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ rests in the fact that you and I did not deserve to live. You and I do not deserve the eternal life described in this verse. It is the gift of God. And why did God give such a wondrous gift? It is as the text states: God loved sinners, and that is why He gave his son to die. Oh, friend, think much upon this truth. Think much upon this statement of Christ:
“I did not come to save the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
(Mark 2:17)
My friend, if you realize that you are a sinner, then this verse applies to you. Christ came for the sinners. Christ came to live and die for those who needed a substitute. The enemies of Christ sought to destroy the reputation of Christ by declaring that he was the friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19), but even in that accusation, in which they falsely maligned the true and holy character of our Lord, they offered the most glorious of truths. Are you a sinner? Then Jesus came for you. This is the glory of the gospel message that we hold before us.
What then are we to learn of David’s meditative question recorded in these opening verses of Psalm 2? There are four lessons for us: One, we learn the true condition of man in this world-he is sinner, intent upon rebellion against God; second, we learn that fundamentally, sin is rebellion against the sovereign and holy rule of God; third, the sins of nations cannot be separated from the sins of the individuals of nations; and fourth, our doctrine of sin must come from the scripture, for it is the scripture that teaches us the true condition of man in our world.
Dear friend, would you understand the causes of the crises and problems in our world today? Oh, I admit, there are times when they all seem so complex, and it is true, the answers are not always easy to come by. But there is one place we must begin in answering all such questions. Let us begin with the word of God, for it is there that we will learn not just about the causes of evil and suffering in this world, but we will learn the answers that God has given to remedy that which we face. May God give us grace to think according to the word of God.
“The Rage against the LORD’s Anointed”
“Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel
together, against the LORD, and against His anointed, saying,
‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords
from us.’”
Psalm 2:1-3
Having considering the elements of the question that David asked in verse 1, and having considered the nature of the question that David is asking, let us now turn to the answer to his question which is contained in the rest of the stanza. As he surveys the world in which he lived, and as we survey our times and circumstances, we like David are led to ask the same question, why do the nations rage? And why do the peoples plot a vain thing? And the answer is set before us in the rest of David’s inquiry in verses 2 and 3 as well as the rest of the psalm. What does Psalmist write in the following verses?
“The kings of the earth set themselves. . . . against the LORD and His anointed”
“The rulers take counsel together against the LORD and His anointed.”
And both of these groups of people cited above declare the following:
“Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.”
Consider, dear Christian, the full implication of these statements recorded here for our instruction. Both kings and are rulers are cited here, meaning that all levels of authority can be engaged in these actions. It is not just the kings that David describes as enraged, but rulers and authorities at all levels are in open rebellion against God. And do we not find it true in our own day? It is not just leaders in great positions, but even leaders in low positions will also engage in the most barbaric and awful behavior both in private and public. Here God makes it abundantly clear: Leaders who do not fear God will by nature set themselves against God and openly defy His word and His rule.
But what is the precise nature of this rebellion and against whom is it primarily directed? Again, the scripture is clear on these two points. First, notice carefully against whom the kings and rulers of the earth are setting themselves against and taking counsel to openly oppose. It is the LORD, YAHWAH, JEHOVAH, the God of the Bible, the God of Israel, the God of Jacob, and the ONE TRUE GOD, the creator and sustainer of the earth. It is not just any god that they rage against, but it is God in heaven in whom they are set against. And think on this, dear Christian: is it not true that most of the religious rage in our world is directed against this God? How many nations rage against Allah? What great frenzied rebellion is directed against Buddha? Who seeks to war against the gods of the Romans, the ancient Greeks, or other pantheons of ancient deities? Indeed, people are quite happy to have religion, but they will not submit to the God of Israel, the one true God, the creator of heaven and earth.
But note the language of this Psalm carefully. It is not just YAHWAH against whom this rebellion is directed. It is also directed against the LORD’s anointed. Who is the LORD’s anointed? As we saw in our previous essays, this reference preeminently refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, the GOD-MAN, who became flesh to die for the sins of God’s elect. According to the New Testament scriptures, this particular reference speaks of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:27-28), and it is against God AND JESUS CHRIST that the nations rage.
But think carefully on the title that is given to Christ here in this passage. The Holy Spirit could have used any title or designation to speak of Christ in this context, and yet, the word choice here is most instructive to us. The verse speaks of the LORD’s anointed or, literally, his anointed one. This word, anointed one, is the Hebrew word, MESSIAH, and in the New Testament, it the Greek word, CHRIST. To understand the significance of this word, we must understand the practice of anointing in the Old Testament. Remember that Aaron and his sons were anointed with oil before entering into the priesthood (Exodus 29:7), and that Saul and David were also anointed with oil before they assumed the throne of Israel (I Samuel 10:1, 16:13). What was the significance of this act? Why did God command that these men be anointed with oil before entering into a divinely appointed office and a divinely appointed calling or ministry?
Ah, the oil speaks of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, and the pouring out of the oil speaks of the Holy Spirit being poured out for empowerment to serve and fulfill God’s calling upon the individual (I Samuel 16:13). Thus, the one who was anointed was elected or chosen by God for a special mission or calling, and that act of anointing, though not efficacious in and of itself, was nonetheless an external picture of that internal reality of the Spirit of God coming upon that person for a special spiritual and divinely appointed service. Throughout the Old and New Testament scriptures alike, Jesus is called the anointed one, the Messiah, or the Christ because he was not just the God-Man, but He was that chosen one, that anointed one empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s work of redemption in saving the souls of every one of God’s elect.
Notice then in our text against whom the nations have directed their rebellion towards: it is the LORD’s anointed one, the Messiah, the Christ. Dear Christian, is it not true that you can mention God in a generic form, and most people will welcome you? Is it also not true that you can even speak of the God of Israel, and men will still not actively oppose you? But mention the name of Jesus, and men and women will rise up in anger and rage against you for your profession. We in this land have been blessed not to have experienced severe persecution, but brother and sister, in the past, and even now in other parts of the world, men, women and children are still put to death simply for naming the name of Jesus and refusing to give up that name for another god. Let our first lesson from these three verses be this: the cause of international rage, the motivation for schemes and plots by rulers and those in authority is but one: to resist the authority and sovereign rule of Jesus Christ.
Why do men and women not live peaceably with each other? Why do communities tear themselves apart in furious crime against one another? Why do states, nations and empires go to war with one another? Oh, it is true that there are many outward and material causes, but behind all of those is this one truth: Men rage because they will not have Christ to reign over them, and they will not submit to His word, His law, and His commands. Dear friend, where does providence find you this day? Are living in submission to Christ and His will? Oh, your obedience may not be perfect, but you desire more and more to live unto righteousness and die unto sin. Then you are living under Christ’s rule. But if you are not seeking to live under the rule of Christ, then dear friend, this is the ultimate cause of your dissatisfaction and discontentment with life. For when we live under the rule Christ, then we are of all men most happy and content. Seek the Sovereign Christ today, and seek to honor His rule in your life.
“The Open Rebellion of Civil Government Against Christ”
“. . .The kings of earth set themselves. . . . against the
LORD and His anointed. . .”
Psalm 2:2a
How refreshing the scripture can be in its simplicity and plain spoken manner regarding the condition of human government in our sin cursed world! While we often idealistically, and foolishly I might add, long for that ideal human government or the ideal human ruler to solve the national or civic problems we face, God does not hold such idealistic visions of human government. In fact, according to the scripture, there is only one ideal government, and that is the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ, the perfect Prophet, Priest and King. But what does God say about the kings and rulers of the earth? Does he hold them in high regard despite their flaws and failures and acknowledge that their quest for power, prestige, glory and fame will actually serve the public good? Does he see them as we often see them-great men and women who could have done greater things but were victims of terrible circumstance? No, quite the contrary, the scripture never paints a glorious picture of human government in a sin cursed world. When surveying the nations, what does the Holy Spirit say regarding the kings and rulers of the earth? He openly calls out their rebellion against Him, against His rule, against His holy law, against His righteous and wise providence, and most of all, their open rejection of His Son, His anointed one, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Savior, our great High Priest and our Sovereign King. What do we read here at the beginning of this great anthem of praise to sovereign rule of Jesus Christ? “The kings of the earth set themselves against the LORD and His anointed.”
Think upon this truth, Dear Christian: how many times in the Old and New Testament scriptures alike does God so clearly and simply demonstrate that earthly kings often declare themselves to be in open rebellion against God?
Think of Nimrod who built the Tower of Babel (Genesis 10:8-11, 11:1-9)
Think of Pharaoh who would not allow the Children of Israel leave Egypt (Exodus 1-13).
Think of Sennacherib who defied YAHWEH, and declared that Jerusalem would fall into his hands like ripe fruit (Isaiah 37).
Think of Nebuchadnezzar who declared himself to be a God because of the way in which he had built up the great city and empire of Babylon (Daniel 4).
Think of Herod who sought to execute the Christ child (Matthew 2:16-18)
Think of Herod Agrippa who in the sight of all the people declared himself to be a god (Acts 12:20-24).
Think of the Beast and Anti-Christ of Revelation who set themselves in open defiance against the sovereign rule of Christ (Revelation 19:19-20).
Think of Alexander the Great who conquered the known world; think of Titus who burned the temple in A. D. 70; think of the Roman Caesars and of their lust for glory and power; think upon the known cruelty the Chinese Emperors and the Muslim hordes of the 700s; consider the dominion of the Holy Roman Emperors and the kings of Europe; think about the dictators Napoleon, Adolph Hitler, Josef Stalin, and many others who set themselves against God. Think even in our own day of Osama Bin Laden who sought to stir up the whole Muslim world against the U. S. and yet what has become of this man today? And what became of all these men I have just cited? What does scripture tell us of those kings we read of in the Old and New Testament? What does history tell us of these others who raised themselves up as gods in their own time? Dear Christian, if there is one theme abundantly clear in scripture it is this: God is sovereign! God cannot be overthrown, but His reign is forever. Let us close with this passage from Daniel 4:34-35. These words were uttered by the King of Babylon whom we mentioned above. After God had humbled him for his pride, what did he declare?
“And at the end of that time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His Will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. NO ONE can restrain His hand or say to Him, What have you done?”
(Daniel 4:34-35)
Dear Christian, these words describe our God, the God who saved us from our sins and has promised to keep us for all eternity in His love. In these days of national and international crisis, let us look to the God of heaven, and find comfort, hope and assurance that our God reigns and all is well with the world.
“The Rage of Religion Against Christ”
“. . . and the rulers take counsel together against
the LORD and His Anointed.”
Psalm 2:2b
The plain and direct language of the Holy Spirit is always so refreshing! Here in this verse, God tells us that not only civil government in its highest and exalted forms will rise up against God and His anointed one, but rulers and those in authority at all levels will sit in council together and conspire against our God. Dear Christian, here we have a most important truth set before us by the Spirit of God. It is not just the kings of the earth, the emperors, the presidents, the judges, the princes, and magistrates that will rise up against our Christ. But rulers in other spheres will also engage in that great conspiracy described here as an open rebellion against King Jesus. One of the saddest and most sobering observations from history is that some of the most overt rebellion to the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ has not come from secular powers or political leaders, but instead from those who profess to be religious, or worse yet, followers of this same Jesus. In the last two thousand years, how many so-called leaders of Christianity have killed in the name of Jesus, have stolen in the name of Jesus, have slandered and attacked others in the name of Jesus, and have engaged in all sorts of immorality and gross evil, and justified all their actions in the name of Jesus Christ. How blasphemous are these evil deeds! How insulting to the name of Christ and to His gospel of free and sovereign grace that men would so openly disavow the law of God and the doctrine of Jesus Christ while openly professing to be his followers, the chosen of God and blessed ones of Jehovah.
Dear Friend, we should not surprised when faced with the open rebellion against Christ by those who call themselves Christians, and yet hold not to the doctrine or practice of Biblical Christianity. Did not Christ tell His disciples that false teachers will arise in days to come? Did not Paul prophesy that in the latter days, perilous times would come, and that men would have a form of godliness, but all the while denying its inward power (II Timothy 3:1-5)? Dear Christian, the Old and New Testament Scriptures alike give testimony to the fact that there will always be those who will rise up against God while using His name as a justification for such actions. But consider with me the ultimate fulfillment of this Psalm as recorded in Acts 4. Who was it that called for the execution of our Lord? Who was it who stirred up the crowd to cry out for Barabbas’ deliverance and for Jesus’ death? Who was it that demanded the Christ should die even after the civil government of that day declared they could find no fault could in His life? Was it the Romans who demanded Jesus must die? Was it the Greeks who said that Jesus was not worthy to live? Was it philosopher, the businessman, the civil servant, the judge or even the general of the army? No, it was none of these who cried out for the unjust execution of God’s Messiah. It was the Jews, the Pharisees, and the religious community that declared “We will not have this man to reign over us!” (Luke 19:14) It was this group that stirred up the world against the LORD and His anointed. And why did they demand the Christ must die? Because, dear friend, they charged the Living Christ as speaking blasphemy against the God of heaven (Matthew 26:65-66).
Dear Friend, consider this sobering thought: who is it that often stirs up the world against Christ? Is it the political leaders, the civil government, the academics, the business leaders and even the military? It is true that many in those positions do not love the Lord Jesus or His word of truth, but who is it that we most often find conspiring against our Christ? Is it not apostate Christianity? Is not such who while calling themselves Christians yet in all form of doctrine and practice subvert the truth of God’s holy Word? The lesson before us ought to sober us. Many times the greatest attacks to Christ’s church have not come from without but within. And of course, does not the Scripture prophecy as much when Paul writes of the Man of Sin who shall exalt himself in the temple of God? (II Thessalonians 2:3-4). I shall not offer any lengthy explanation of this prophecy now, but let us never forget that Christ’s greatest enemies, and the gospel’s greatest enemies do not necessarily come from the unbelieving world, but from apostate and compromised religion that while professing a form of godliness deny the full spiritual power thereof.
Dear Friend, where do these words find you today? Are you trusting in the true King of kings and Lord of lords for your salvation? Are you looking to Christ and His word for that hope both in this life and the life to come? Is your life governed by God’s word and by His anointed Son who died for your sins? Then take hope, for Christ must reign till he has put all his enemies under his feet! (I Corinthians 15:25) But if today you find yourself trusting in a form of religion or an external godliness that has no true life or hope in Jesus, then my friend, seek the true King of kings, and give yourself to Him. And then, you shall no longer be His enemy, but His child, His friend, and He will be your savior, Lord and keeper for now and for all eternity. Seek Jesus, the king and friend of sinners!
“The Universal War of Rebellion Against Christ”
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.”
Psalm 2:3
Here at the third verse, the first stanza of David’s psalm reaches a climax as the rage the peoples against God and His anointed one burst forth into a loud clamor against Christ. And what do the wicked say against God? Let us BREAK the bonds of God’s government over us in pieces and let us CAST AWAY the cords of divine rule over our lives. Out of the abundance of their wicked hearts, the fullness of their depravity spews forth like angry flood rushing from a broken dam, expressing the full depths of the sin and depravity that fills the human heart. What did the Lord say about His own burden and yoke that He gives to those who come to him? Did he not say that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30)? But to the sinner who pursues his or her depravity and to the rebel heart that longs to exalt himself or herself against God, the bonds of Christ are hard and the cords of divine authority are binding like the chains of slavery. And thus, when confronted with the divine rule over their lives, what do the wicked declare? “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us!”
But consider this truth, dear Christian: We have in this statement the answer to David’s original question in verse 1. What was David’s question? “WHY do the nations rage, andWHY do the peoples plot a vain thing?” (Psalm 2:1). To the believing heart, such a question is a mystery for those who know God and His Christ in a saving way know that the yoke of Christ is gentle and easy. Thus, the believing heart is prone to ask this question: why would anyone want to rise up against the one true God whose love and grace are everlasting and whose truth endures to all generations? But David comes to the heart of the matter, and indeed, the heart IS the matter in this question for as our Lord said many centuries later, out of the abundance of heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).
Why do the nations rage? Why do kingdoms and empires war with one another? Why do people plot against each other in vain attempts to exercise dominion over their fellow man? Why do men and women boldly and loudly declare their hatred for God and for the Lord Jesus Christ? Why is it that men are willing to embrace all manner of religious affection, but when confronted with the true gospel of free and sovereign grace, people of peace will transform into a raging and angry mob? Why, you may ask? Ah, the question is answered for us in this verse. Such people are determined to break the bonds of God’s ownership and the cords of heavenly government. Over two thousand years ago, the Jewish mob shouted, “We will not have this man to rule over us!” (Luke 19:14, John 19:15) And who was this man they railed against? It was Jesus, holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus, who never committed a single sin, in thought, word or deed, was the one they declared their rebellion against and their hatred for. Indeed, they hated Him so much that they spat upon Him, ripped His clothes from Him, beat Him and whipped Him, and laying a crown of thorns upon His head, they crucified Him upon a harsh cross of wood, declaring that this is what they would do to any man who called himself the King of the Jews.
Ah, Christian, the sight is a sobering one to consider. But before you rise up in judgment against the evil rebellion of those who put Jesus to death, remember this: before your salvation, before your conversion, before your repentance of sin, you too declared that you would not have this man to reign over you. You see, every act of unbelief, every sin whether in thought, word or deed, every evil desire, every unkind or unloving word, every act of disobedience to either God or man is a declaration that you and I wish to cast off the cords of Jesus’ rule in our lives. What did Paul write to the Ephesians believers regarding their lives before their conversion?
“. . . you once walked according to the course of this world, according
to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons
of DISOBEDIENCE. . . . .”
(Ephesians 2:2)
This is what you and I were before God snatched us out of sin and brought into the glorious knowledge of the gospel. We too would not have Jesus to reign over us. But rejoice in this truth, O Christian. Jesus loved you when you were a rebel. Jesus died for you when you declared that you would not have this man to reign over you. Ah, herein is love that cannot be fathomed and the depths of which cannot plumbed! God loved those who were angry rebels against Him, sent his Son to die for them, and redeemed them unto Himself that they would be a people who loved God and who would declare His praises for all eternity. And in this great work of salvation, Christ shows His greatest power as the reigning monarch of the world for only Christ can conquer the human heart with His love. Only Christ can break the hard and stony heart and replace it with a heart of love and faith towards God. Dear Christian, as you behold the rage of the unbelievers, note well that but for the grace of God, there go you and there go I. But note also, that because of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, your heart loves Him who is the King of kings and Lord of Lords, and rather than break his bonds, you have found them to easy and light. Dear Friend, seek Christ this day, and you will find rest for your soul.
“The Misplaced Ease of the Rebel and Sinful Heart”
“Let us BREAK Their bonds in pieces and CAST AWAY Their cords from us.“
Psalm 2:3
The precise and concise nature of scripture should both amaze us and instruct us! Here in this simple text, God the Holy Spirit has stated simply the verbal expression of the rebel and sinful heart against God. Even as the heart of faith confesses with the words, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” (Acts 16:31), so the heart of unbelief has its own declaration of what it believes. This confession of unbelief is recorded here in Psalm 2 for our instruction that we might learn by what words unbelief expresses itself. Dear Christian, read the words that are before us carefully:
“Let us BREAK their bonds in pieces and CAST AWAY their cords from us.”
While the heart of true saving faith casts itself in full dependence upon the mercy of Christ for everything, the heart of unbelief declares its complete INDEPENDENCE from God and from Christ. Whether such words come from the pagan and secular ruler or the religious mystic and devotee, the heart that will not submit to Christ is the heart that seeks to break the bonds of Christ’s authority and to cast off the cords of God’s eternal love. These words are the expression the heart of unbelief.
But note the full depth of the self deception that is outlined in these words. Here is man speaking against God, and let us remember the God against whom man speaks-the infinite, eternal, unchanging being of the universe, the I AM WHO I AM, the God who spoke and the worlds were created, the God whose word preserves and upholds that very creation. This is the God whose authority man declares he will simply discard like an old rag or as if he were to cut off the strings of torn piece of clothing. Commenting on this passage, Charles Spurgeon wrote the following:
“What! O ye kings, do ye think yourselves Samsons? and are the bands of Omnipotence but as green withs (slender twigs or branches) before you? Do you dream that you shall snap to pieces and destroy the mandates of of God-the decrees of the Most High-as if they were but tow(string or rope)?”
Here we see the full extent of the foolishness of sin. The misplaced ease with which men think they will break the control of God over them as one might snap a dry twig in the woods with little thought. Truly the scripture is right when it speaks of men being foolish. Shall you, O Man, throw off the God who made you and formed you from the dust? Shall the creature say to the creator, here is how you have wronged me by making me thus? Shall the clay say unto the potter, why have you made me in this particular fashion? Shall the weak and finite lecture the infinite and eternal in the questions of wisdom and truth? Shall you who are of dust say unto Him who never changes, why do you act thus in the world? O Foolish man that you are if you think such thoughts! Remember what God said through Daniel said unto the Babylonian king on the very the night of his downfall:
“. . . the God who holds your breath in his hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” (Daniel 5:23)
Let the force of these words sink in deeply, my friend! God holds your breath in His hand and will take it away at His moment of choosing. God directs all your paths of life according to His sovereign and wise purpose, and raises you up and takes you down according to His eternal decree. And what did God say unto this great and mighty king? “You have not glorified me.” And that very night, King Belshazzar lost his kingdom to the Medes and to the Persians and most of history has forgotten this mighty man as his kingdom fell into the dust bin of the past.
But dear Christian, lest we should stand in judgment against our own unbelieving generation, how often have you found yourself questioning the wisdom and purpose of God in all the strange and unusual providences of your own life? How often has your own heart said unto God, “I shall break your bands over me for you have not dealt rightly with me?” How often have we found our own hearts straying from the goodness of God and questioning His right of authority over our lives, our health, our circumstances, our particular lot, our wealth or lack thereof, our station or our acceptance among men? Ah, dear Christian, if you have heart like mine, then all too often have you found yourself saying the very words of Psalm 2:3 in your heart as you went about your life. But it is in this realization that we find the grace of our God so great and wondrous for there was nothing to separate you and I from the masses of humanity quickly racing after such misplaced and foolish dreams of breaking the rule of God over us. But God in mercy decreed our salvation, and in love, sent Christ to die for our sins, and even now sends forth His Spirit to woo our rebel hearts back to him. Dear Christian, do you find that you have been uttering the words or living in the spirit of Psalm 2:3? Then turn back to Christ, repent of your ways for Christ has promised to receive all sinful men and women who by grace seek Him in faith and repentance. Yes, God’s rule will not be mocked, and no man can stay his hand or say to him “what have you done” (Daniel 4:35). But God has promised that any one who comes to Christ repenting of their rebels hearts will be received with grace, mercy and love. Dear Friend, seek Christ this day, and you will find a loving Savior, a friend who sticks closer than a brother and Sovereign Lord who always does right in everything.
**Quote taken from Charles Spurgeon, Treasury of David, volume 1, comments on Psalm 2.
“The Collective Nature of Man’s Rebellion Against Christ”
“Let US break their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from US.“
Psalm 2:3
Every word of scripture was given for our instruction, and therefore, it is profitable to consider the pronoun that God the Holy Spirit employed when describing this confession of unbelief spoken by sinful men in their rebellion against the Holy Triune God of heaven. Note that the pronoun is in the plural and not the singular as the Psalmist records the wicked as saying thus: “Let US break their bonds in pieces and cast away theircords from US.”
Let US declare the kings of the earth. Let US declare the judges of men. Let US declare the priests of human religion. Let US declare the elders and pastors of apostate Christianity. Let US cast aside the rule of the sovereign Christ. Now one might propose that the reason for the use of a plural pronoun here is simply because David is describing different categories of authority as well as different groups of those in authority, and such a statement would certainly be true. But God uses words precisely and deliberately, and I believe a deeper truth is communicated here than just a simple agreement between subjects and verbs.
Consider the declarations of men in the ancient days following the flood when they gathered together to build the great tower known as Babel? What did these men who conspired to make a great city and tower for themselves in that day declare? “Let US make a name FOR OURSELVES on the earth, lest WE be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth. . .” (Genesis 11:4). Just as men in the ancient days united in their efforts to establish a name for themselves in the earth, so David many centuries later describes men boldly proclaiming, “Let US break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from US.” Ah, the sinful heart never changes. Centuries pass, time marches on, and age turns into age, but the sinful heart is ever the same no matter what part of the world in which one dwells or in what time or age we live.
Consider carefully then the two reasons recorded in Genesis 11 that the builders of the tower of Babel asserted as their reason for rebelling against God.
First, they declared that they would come together to make THEIR NAME great upon the earth. Their efforts to build a city were not for the glory of God. What did these builders of that day clamor for? “Let US make a name FOR OURSELVES upon the earth. . .” The entire purpose of their work was to exalt themselves against God and set themselves up as their own rulers, their own lords, and their own gods.
But before we cast judgement on this generation in Genesis 11, let us go back several chapters earlier in the book of Genesis and recall what Satan tempted Adam and Eve with when he enticed them to partake of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
“For God knows that in the day you eat of it
[the tree of the knowledge of good and evil] your eyes
will be opened, and YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD,
knowing good and evil.”
(Genesis 3:5)
What motivated our first parents to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Believing the lie of the devil, they sought to make themselves equal with God. And what did the builders of the tower of Babel hope to accomplish? They hoped to exalt their name upon the earth. And what do those in tumult in the second psalm declare? They would cast off the rule of the Sovereign God over them and declare their own independence from Him who is their Creator, their Lord and their King.
Dear Christian, think upon this truth most carefully! This attitude of exalting self is the basic principle of all sin. All of Adam’s sons and daughters bear within themselves this transgression of self-will against the God of heaven. Was it not self-will that drove Adam to sin in the first place (Genesis 3)? Was it not the evil of men’s hearts that moved God to send a great flood upon the earth (Genesis 6:6-7)? Was it not rebellion and pride that caused God to rain fire and brimstone upon the cities of the plain (Genesis 18:20-21, 19:24-25)? Does not the very name, Jacob, which means “supplanter”, reflect this principle of self-will (Genesis 25:26)?
Was it not self-will that drove King Saul to disregard the words of Samuel (I Samuel 13)? Was it not self-will which moved David to sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 11)? Was it not self-exaltation that moved Absalom to rebel against his own father, King David, and set himself up as King in Jerusalem (II Samuel 15)? And was it not fear or obsessive concern with oneself that moved Elijah to flee from Jezebel (I Kings 19) and Peter to deny his Lord (Matthew 26:69-75)? Ah, brother and sister, the list could go on until finally we have come to our own heart and there we will find the multiple acts you and I have committed in life that may have outwardly appeared to many as good and godly acts, but they were filled with that wretched principle of Adam’s sin-We shall be equal with God.
Dear Christian, there is not a man or woman in all scripture, save Jesus Christ the righteous One, who can claim innocence from this sin of self-will and pride. And so we see wrapped up in this one pronoun the truth that the apostle wrote so many centuries later: “ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).
But dear Christian, I leave with one parting thought: consider the list above. Some were damned to hell for all eternity for their sin of pride, but not all experienced that fate. What was difference between the kings, David and Saul? What was the difference between the people of the cities of the plain and Jacob, “the supplanter?” Ah, dear Christian, here we come to the very heart of the gospel! There was no difference in the corrupt nature of those individuals, for as we know, they were all sinners before God. The difference lies in sovereign and free grace-the grace of an all loving, merciful and just God. Jacob was as self-willed as any other sinner in the Bible, and yet God, according to His own gracious purpose and love, entered into covenant with Jacob, and identified Himself for centuries as the “God of Jacob.”
God is the one who conquers men’s wills and God is the one who saves men from their self-will and rebellion. Oh, brother and sister, you and I share in the same nature of those rebels in Psalm 2. But if you are in Christ, part of God’s great work of redemption is to save you from your own self-will, that principle of sin you inherited from Adam so that instead of bearing the marred image of Father Adam, you might bear the glorious image of the perfection of the eternal Son of God. This is grace. This is the gospel. This is the message of Psalm 2, and this is the doctrine which God has placed in one simple pronoun, “US.”
A second truth to consider from Genesis 11 is the type of fear that moved these rebels to build a great city and tower. Note carefully that it was fear that moved the ancients to build the tower of Babel. But what did they fear? Did the fear of God move them to undertake this great endeavor? No, they feared being scattered abroad throughout the entire earth. But why did mankind fear being scattered into small groups across God’s creation? Did not God command Noah and his descendants to do this very thing (see Genesis 9:1-3)? Why should men have a stronger sense of security in greater numbers than in smaller groups even if they are obeying the commands of God? Or why should they fear even being isolated one from another? Ah, the Scripture is so plain that indeed its simplicity often leads us to miss the basic truths it teaches. Mankind did not just fear being scattered abroad, but they feared being dominated by a creation still under God’s curse for man’s sin.
Let us consider two texts leading up to Genesis 11 that provide insight regarding man’s fear of being scattered abroad throughout the creation and being dominated by the creation itself.
First, consider God’s command to Adam, and by virtue of his federal headship of the race, to all mankind, recorded in Genesis 1:28. After God had completed His great work of creation, He then gave this command to our first parents-Adam and Eve:
“Then God blessed them and said to them,
‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it;
have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of
the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
(Genesis 1:28)
After creating man on the sixth day, God granted to Adam dominion over the creation and commanded him to use the earth, to cultivate it, and to serve as the divinely appointed steward over the earth. This was man’s exalted position prior to his fall into sin. But when mankind disobeyed God in the garden, what happened to man’s ability to obey this command to exercise dominion and stewardship over God’s creation?
That question brings us to a second passage we must consider in regards to man’s fear of the creation: Genesis 3:16-19. Here we read of God’s curse upon the entire created order because of man’s sin and rebellion against the commands of God. And note carefully what God the Holy Spirit has recorded here for our learning:
“To the woman, He said:
‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;
in pain you shall bring forth children;
Your desire shall be for your husband
[Literally, towards your husband, meaning against him],
And he shall rule over you.
And to Adam He said,
‘Cursed in the ground for your sake;
In toil shall you eat of it all the days of your life.
Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
(Literally, the ground shall cause thorns and thistles to grow)
And you shall eat of the herb of the field.
In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken;
for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
(Genesis 3:16-19)
It is beyond the scope of these short essays to present a careful exegesis of these verses, but that is not necessary in order to understand our observation. Note first that despite the curse, God’s command to man to exercise dominion and stewardship is not abrogated. Men were still expected to function as the steward of God’s creation (see Genesis 9:1-3 where the command is repeated to Noah.). But second, and this point is absolutely vital in understanding a right interpretation of these two passages to our lives in this sin-cursed world, note carefully that according to God’s own Word, even though the command of God to exercise dominion remained, nonetheless because of God’s just curse upon the race for its sin, mankind would find within himself or herself no ability whatsoever to fulfill God’s command to exercise stewardship over the creation.
Dear friend, here we learn a most important lesson regarding the corruption of our natures because of sin. Our sin never removes our obligation to obey the commands of God. But as we also know from scripture that outside of Christ, we are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13), and therefore, in and of our own abilities, completely unable to fulfill the commands of God recorded in the Holy Scripture. It for this reason that Christ told His disciples, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5b). But here we also learn of the depths of the grace of God, for as we continue reading the account in Genesis, we see that God did not leave Adam and Eve in their sin, but he provided atonement for their sin, and a covering for them, a pure righteousness, external from themselves, imputed to their accounts which declared them to be just before the God of heaven. (See Genesis 3:15, 21) Oh friend, consider what Paul wrote many centuries later regarding the glories of God’s salvation in Christ:
“Oh wretched man that I am!
Who will deliver me from this body of death?
I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(Romans 7:24)
Let us note carefully what God declared unto our first parents in this record of His just and righteous curse upon them and the entire race for their sin:
The woman to whom was granted the great privilege of perpetuating the race would now bear children in pain and sorrow. And instead of lovingly and humbly submitting to the headship of her husband, she would seek to dominate him and rule him according to her own depraved desires. And her husband, instead of loving and caring for his wife in a Christ-like manner, would dominate and control her in response to her own efforts to control her husband.
The man who was to serve as the provider for the woman and the family would now find his labor frustrated, and instead of ruling the creation, he would soon learn that the creation would dominate him. Work would be toilsome and dissatisfying, and the creation itself would resist man’s efforts to cultivate it. And in the end, both man and woman would discover that the world they were to rule would now rule them, and not just in this sin-cursed life, but ultimately in death for as God declared, “dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19b)
Oh dear friend, here we ought to pause and consider carefully the devastating consequences that sin has not just for ourselves but for all those around us. Not only did Adam and Eve suffer individually for their own transgressions against God, but their very relationship with each other-that highest form of human relationships-the covenant of marriage-instead of being the pure bliss God intended became a trial, filled with frustration and sorrow. And not only that, but man’s place in the created order was inverted. Man was designed to be head of creation (see Psalm 8), but instead, creation enslaved man as men and women both were not just dominated by the created order, but became slaves to their very passions, desires, and corrupt natures.
And here we come to the reason man feared being scattered abroad across the face of the earth, for as we read of man’s history in the early chapters of Genesis, we see frustrated relationships, human dissatisfaction, anger, rage, and malice, bloodshed, carnage and wrath. Indeed, the world God created went from being a Garden Paradise to a war zone within a few generations as man continued to try to exert his control over creation, only to discover that what God had declared was true-sin had marred all things, and creation was no longer willing to submit to man’s command, but would resist all his efforts at exercising dominion over it.
And what happened after the flood? Did the curse suddenly cease to exist and paradise was restored to man? No, the earth was still under a curse, and man still felt the weight of sin both upon himself and upon the world in which he lived. It is with this understanding that we see the reason men not only feared in the past, but still feared being scattered abroad on the face of the earth. Even today, men are quite conscious that we live in a world designed to be under our dominion, but that dominion is frustrated as the creation opposes all of our attempts to rule over it. Yet despite this knowledge, mankind in their rebellion still refuses to acknowledge that sin has deprived them of that dominion, and that no longer can they rule the creation, but instead the creation rules them.
But how ought men react when faced with this undeniable truth of the frustration that they must experience of a creation refusing to bow to them as the stewards of God? As Paul states in Romans 1, they ought to repent and turn to God, but do they? No, instead they excuse this frustration as natural law or tough times or simply being human and then seek to find their own ways to regain the dominion that Father Adam lost. Why? Because they fear unless they fight back, creation will destroy them. It is here that we see the full depth of man’s depravity and sin! He still believes that he can act as God over God’s creation.
But let us come to a a third observation: Consider that this “US” mentality, or this collective mindset of human rebellion against God is derived from Adam’s one sin in which all ALL PEOPLE in every age participated in. Consider what the apostle wrote in Romans 5:12:
“Therefore, just as through one man, sin entered the world,
and death through sin,and thus, death spread to all men,
because ALL SINNED.”
The language of the Holy Spirit is quite precise in this passage. It was not just Adam who sinned in the garden, but according to the Holy Spirit’s instruction regarding the spiritual significance of Adam’s act, WE, that is, all mankind, sinned when Adam sinned. Thus, it was not just Adam who sinned thousands of years in the past, but because Adam was our representative, WE too sinned. And here we see the Scripture’s fullest expression of collective nature of man’s rebellion. Ever since, Genesis 3, all people, men, women, and children alike, have engaged in sin, and not just sinned individually, though that is quite true. WE have sinned collective and corporately as a race, as a people, as creatures of God created in His image and for His glory.
This truth of the collective nature of man’s sin has a significant application to our own times. From these texts, we learn that the so-called theory of Collectivism is no new doctrine affirmed by men. Indeed, the roots of this theory are found in the very opening pages of Genesis and can be traced throughout the entire Bible. Oh, I admit that this pernicious doctrine has taken new names over the centuries-Utopianism, Perfectionism, Socialism, Progressivism, Communism, etc-but they are not new and novel ideas. No, they are simply the continued efforts of man to seek to regain paradise without the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Man fears creation because he knows that creation can dominate him. But man also knows that God is behind this curse of creation dominating him, and rather than repent of his sin of rebellion, what is response? “Let US make a name for OURSELVES on the earth, lest we be scattered abroad.” And, “Let US break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from US.”
Oh, Christian, do you still find this principle of sin operating within you? Oh, you may not confess it as overtly as the pagan and unbeliever does, but do you not find that when things do not go your way, rather than submit to the all wise providence of God, you like the heathen, resist God’s providential rule over your life and affairs? Peace, joy, love and contentment with life only comes through submitting in faith and repentance to Christ, the second Adam, and the one greater than Adam, who regained the dominion that Adam lost.
Considering the observations we have noted from the Scripture regarding this collective nature of man’s rebellion against God, let us meditate upon one last question regarding this doctrine: Why does man seek refuge in the collectivism of his race as a means of protection from the control that creation exercises over him? Here we come to our fourth and final observation: man’s desire for human collectivism comes from his knowledge of the truth that every single one of us have been separated from God by our sin-both our individuals sins and our collective sin with Adam in the garden. Man knows that he is isolated and cut off from the only source of life in the entire universe, and therefore, he seeks for a meaningful relationship with someone greater than himself. Man knows that he was created for a purpose and to relate with others in a meaningful way that provides satisfaction in life. And so he seeks for satisfaction, comfort and security in this life. But where does he often look for it? He seeks for comfort, for refuge, for safety and security, and for identification not with God, but with his or her fellow sinners and with the entire sin-cursed race instead.
Whence then comes all of the rage and fury of man’s rebellion as noted here in the second Psalm? What is the source of the rage of nations, the warfare of empires, the rise of nations, and fall of kingdoms? Why do the peoples lay vain and foolish schemes? Why do the elites, the aristocracy, the power brokers, the religious, economic and civil politicos seek dominion and control over their fellow men and women? Why is the history of mankind littered with destroyed lives, broken families, shattered communities, apostate churches, corrupt governments, and the constant reality of international rage and discontent among all peoples and all nations? Ah, the answer is found in a statement uttered by Augustine many centuries ago. This saint of God who was saved from both pagan religion and a morally abominable life style, noted this thought in his Confessions: “[God has] made us for [Himself], and our hearts are restless, until they can find rest in [him].”
Here then is the source not only of this collective rebellion, but of all havoc of man’s experience upon on this earth for the past five or six thousand years. What did God tell Adam would happen to him and all his posterity if he rebelled against God’s holy commands?
“. . but of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
you shall not eat, for in the day you eat of it, you shall
surely die [Literally, dying, you shall die.]”
Genesis 2:17b
What is death? It is separation. Just as physical death is the separation of the soul from the body, so spiritual death is the separation of man from God. And what happened to Adam and Eve when they partook of the fruit of the tree? They died spiritually as their souls were separated from God. And every child born since that time is born spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins (see Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13), and the most significant consequence of this spiritual death is the existence of a soul which was designed to live in perfect communion and harmony with God and their fellow men, but instead, lives in a dysfunctional existence, craving for meaning and purpose, and yet forever resisting the God who created him and calls him to Himself that he may give unto all who believe eternal life. This then is great restlessness of every person’s heart who knows not the Lord Jesus Christ in a saving way, and this then is the true cause of the great cacophony and clamor recorded for us in the opening verses of Psalm 2.
What then is the answer to this grave calamity facing all men and women in every generation of this collective rebellion of mankind against the Triune God of heaven? We could say verses 4 through 12 of this psalm provide the answer, and God willing, we shall consider all those verses in the devotionals to come. But God knows that simple answers are what need most to such grave questions of eternal concern. Therefore, in conclusion, let us consider two passages that give to us the answer to man’s rebellion, and man’s quest for safety, security, identity and true satisfaction in this life. First, note the words of Christ in His high priestly prayer recorded in John 17:
“. . . Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son,
that He may glorify You, as YOU HAVE GIVEN HIM
AUTHORITY OVER ALL FLESH, THAT HE SHOULD
GRANT ETERNAL LIFE TO AS MANY AS YOU HAVE
GIVEN HIM.”
(John 17:1-2)
Why did God the Father send his only Begotten Son, pure, holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:26) into this sin-cursed, corrupt and vile world? Ah, because as the apostle wrote earlier, God loved sinners, and therefore, He gave Jesus to die for sinful men that Jesus might have universal authority to grant eternal life unto all who repent of their sins and by faith seek after Jesus Christ for eternal life. And what is this eternal life? Christ gives us the answer in the very next verse:
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
(John 17:3)
What is eternal life? Why it is nothing more than knowing God through Jesus Christ, and once again, having restored unto all who believe and receive Jesus by faith that joy, that bliss, that pure knowledge of and a relationship with our Maker, our Sustainer and our God. And it is then, and only then, that we will find rest for our souls. And what did Jesus say he came to offer? Consider a second passage:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)
Only Jesus can give true rest for our souls. But what rest he does give when we by faith in His word, and repenting of our sin, seek Him! Dear friend, seek Christ today and you will find rest for your sin weary soul. Here then is the great lesson we should learn when we consider this simple pronoun, “US” as recorded in the third verse of the second psalm. Man shall never find rest in himself, but only restlessness. But when we seeks Christ, then not only will each of us find rest individually, but families, communities, churches, nations, and indeed, the entire world, will find rest if they seek the sovereign Lord of both heaven and earth, Jesus Christ. May God instruct us from this simple word in this simple psalm. Amen.
“Man’s Confession of Unbelief”
“Let US break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from US.“
Psalm 2:3
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and WITH THE MOUTH confession is made unto salvation.“
Romans 10:10
Not only is every single word of Scripture breathed out by the Holy Spirit, but even the very structure of those words, be it a poetic structure, a rhetorical structure or even a simple grammatical arrangement, is divinely designed to communicate doctrine that is vital for the spiritual well-being of our souls. Verse 3 of the second psalm is a good illustration to instruct Christ’s church on how even the very structure of the words that God has spoken in the Scripture are deliberate and therefore contain truths intended to teach us regarding His person, His character and His dealings with men upon the earth.
We have recorded in the third verse the collective declaration of humanity to resist the rule of Christ over them. But note carefully the focus of their clamorous pronouncement against the God of Heaven and His Anointed one:
“Let US break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from US.”
This declaration of man’s rebellion begins and and ends with the simple pronoun, “US.” And here is a most significant lesson for the people of God. Who is the focal point of this declaration? What has driven mankind to announce not only to God, or the heavenly court, but yea, to all of creation, why they refuse to bow to God’s anointed? Humanity would not submit to God because they would exalt themselves into the place of God and declare that it is OF THEM and FOR THEM and TO THEM that all things should be focused upon. Man’s total and complete independence from the creator is the sole focal point of this declaration. We find then that this statement begins with man and concludes with man, thus making the glory of man the sole focal point of man’s rebellion against Almighty God.
How unlike Paul’s great doxology at the conclusion of the doctrinal section of his epistle to the Romans. For what did the apostle declare regarding the source, the means and the purpose of message of salvation?
“For OF HIM [God] and THROUGH HIM and TO HIM are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)
All of salvation, indeed, all of the works of God are done not for the glory of man, but for the glory of the thrice holy Trinue God of heaven. God is the source of our salvation. God is the means of our salvation, and God receives all the glory for every sinner saved by free and sovereign grace. Dear friend, this is the glory of the Christian gospel, and every generation of true believers, sinners saved by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ, and regenerated by the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, have confessed this verse or words akin to it to declare their true confession of faith unto salvation.
But while Romans 10:10 and 11:36 reveals that there is a true confession of genuine saving faith, so Psalm 2:3 reveals for us the creed of the unbeliever, or humanity’s confession of unbelief. For what is the creed of unregenerate man still lost in his sins, still dead in his trespasses, and still shaking his fist in the face of God?
“Let US break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from US.”
Here in this text from the second psalm we learn that the religion of humanism is no new thing under the sun. Oh, I admit the manifestation of humanism in our day is very different from what it was in David’s day, but the principle is still the same. There are only two religions or two types of faith in this world. There is the faith that saves and declares that God is the only source of all things, and that God is the only source of our salvation, the only means of our salvation, and receives all the glory for man’s salvation. But there is also the faith that declares man is the beginning and end of all things upon earth. Man is the one who shall break God’s rule over him, and man is the one who shall liberate himself from the sovereign rule of King Jesus.
My dear friend, think carefully upon this next question I shall pose to you: Which faith is your faith? Is the object of your faith the God of Romans 11:36, the sovereign God who is the creator of all things, the righteous judge of all men, and the gracious and loving Savior of sinners? Then you of all men are most blessed because then you can say the favor of God rests upon you. But if the object of your faith is in yourself or in other men or human devices for your salvation, then I urge you, flee to Christ and make him your refuge. For as we shall see later in this same psalm, God’s wrath abides upon the rebels of Psalm 2:3 (see verses 4-6). But at the end of the psalm (verse 12), we shall see the divine blessing upon all who trust in the Lord for their full and complete salvation. Oh dear friend, I pray the confession of Romans 10:10 or 11:36 is the true confession of your heart not just to God, but to all men everywhere that you meet.
“Man’s Rebellion Against the Holy Trinity”
“Let us break THEIR bonds in pieces and cast away THEIR cords from us.“
Psalm 2:3
The examination of one more pronoun requires our attention before bringing our study of this third verse of Psalm 2 to a close. Note carefully the pronoun employed by the rebels to the person of God in their collective cry of resistance to the sovereign rule of God:
“Let us break THEIR bonds in pieces and cast away THEIR cords from us.”
As we noted in our previous studies, the Holy Spirit’s choice of words in any part of Scripture is deliberate, and the use of the plural pronoun by the rebels in application to the rule of the Godhead over them in this particular text is another proof of God’s precise and accurate description of the full depths of mankind’s innate depravity and sinfulness. Therefore, consider this question: Why is a plural pronoun applied in this declaration of the rebels against God and His Anointed one?
The first answer to that may come to mind is the royal use of making a pronoun plural, particularly when applying it to deity. But such answer is severely deficient when we consider that this a cry of lawlessness and of total disregard for the sovereign rule of God. The rebels have no interest in promoting the majesty of God. Indeed, as one commentator noted, “Resolved they [the rebels] were to run riot as lawless and aweless[towards God and His Messiah], and therefore they slander the sweet laws of Christ’s kingdom as bonds and thick cords, which are signs of slavery.” * So the royal use of the pronoun is not a satisfactory answer.
A second answer might be that the psalm obviously presents two individuals against whom the rebellion of Mankind is directed: The LORD, Jehovah, YAHWAH, and His Anointed Servant-the Christ, and therefore, since two persons of authority are in view, the plural is simply a natural reflection of the rules of grammar employed in the poetry of the psalm. And this answer is sufficient in terms of the grammatical and poetic structure of the psalm. But we must ask, who is the LORD’s servant? And why is man’s rebellion directed not just against the God in general terms, but also against His servant? Indeed, it would appear from the text that not only do the rebels view the authority of God as equal to the authority of servant, so also, God’s view of this rebellion is that a disregard for his servant is a disregard for his own divine authority.
Now it is true that often in Scripture, we see the hatred of the unbelievers hurled not just at God, but as his human servants. Indeed, Christ told his disciples that if the world hated him, they would hate them as his followers (see Matthew 10:24-25). But the words of Psalm 2 are unique: the rebels have not just resisted the rule of God over them, but in particular, their rebellion is directed against the LORD and HIS CHRIST, implying that the rule of God’s anointed must be equated with the rule of God Himself. While it is true, that God raises up earthly rulers, both for nations and within His church, the Scripture NEVER places human authority on the same level as the sovereign and divine rule of Almighty God. Therefore, from this text, we must conclude that this Anointed One possesses the very authority of deity, and therefore, disobedience to the Lord’s Anointed is the same as disobedience to God himself.
But who is the Lord’s Anointed in this context? Ah, dear Christian, at the very beginning of this study, did we not draw our attention to the New Testament’s interpretation of this passage in Acts 4? And did not the New Testament make very clear to us that this particular Psalm was a prophecy of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in particular, a prophecy of His death, His resurrection and subsequent reign at the right of His Father? (See Acts 4:24-28). And so, dear Christian, I submit to you in this use of the plural pronoun, we have the declaration of mankind’s rebellion not just against God in general, as if man was simply resisting a vague unknown conception of some esoteric deity disconnected from their world. No indeed, this plural pronoun reveals to us that mankind has directed its rebellion against God the Holy Trinity-Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Think upon this thought, dear Christian: Does not the scripture present that man hates with equal venom each distinct person of the Godhead? Consider Paul’s statement that the godless Gentiles refused to retain the knowledge of God in their understanding of the creation, but suppressed such a knowledge so as to silence the accusations of their conscience? (See Romans 1:18-22) Consider that while nominally religious people will give honor to a creed that professes belief in a generic God, present to them the name of Christ, and like the Jews of Christ’s time and Paul’s day, they spit in rage and anger against the Messiah of God? (Luke 19:14, John 19:7, 12-15, Acts 13:44-46) And what did Stephen, the first martyr of the church say of the Jews in his own day regarding the rebellion of God’s own people against the Holy Spirit? (Acts 7:51)
But let us also remember also what Christ declared regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit in this New Testament age:
“And when He [the Helper, the Holy Spirit] has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement.” (John 16:8)
And along with this passage, let us remember the one sin that Bible tells us cannot be pardoned: the sin of blaspheming or resisting the Holy Spirit of God. (Matthew 12:31-32). I shall not take time at this junction to address all the theological ramifications of the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, suffice to say this: It is NOT a sin that one commits in ignorance or by accident. This sin is a willful resistance of the operation of God, both in revealing truth in the scripture and the application of the scripture to the heart in conviction of sin. And yet, when we combine all these passages we have noted here, what do we see from Scripture? Mankind’s rebellion against God is not just directed against God, but against each person of the Holy Trinity-God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This then is the lesson we ought to learn from the Psalmist’s use of the plural pronoun in verse 3.
Oh, Dear Friend, have you learned of the gospel through the Holy Scripture? Has a friend, a family member, or a loved one spoken to you about your soul? Has Spirit taken the word of God and applied it to your soul and convicted you of your sin and of your need for Christ? Then all these are signs of God’s love and desire to draw you to Himself. Do not behave as the rebels in this psalm did by rejecting and resisting the rule of Christ. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ today, and cease in your rebellion against the Holy Trinity, for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit would draw you unto salvation in Christ, and make a heir of God and joint heir with Jesus Christ. And then you shall have the privilege and blessing of eternal fellowship with all three persons of the Godhead for all eternity. Amen.
*Comment by John Trapp, and taken from The Treasury of David, by Charles Spurgeon, Page 14, Volume 1
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