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Psalms 2:1-6

Matthew Henry on Psalms 2:1-6

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. As this world is the kingdom of Satan, unconverted men, of every rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the cause of God.

But the rulers of the earth generally have been most active. The truths and precepts of Christianity are against ambitious projects and worldly lusts. We are told what they aim at in this opposition.

They would break asunder the bands of conscience, and the cords of God's commandments; they will not receive, but cast them away as far as they can. These enemies can show no good cause for opposing so just and holy a government, which, if received by all, would bring a heaven upon earth.

They can hope for no success in so opposing so powerful a kingdom. The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and in earth, and is Head over all things to the church, notwithstanding the restless endeavours of his enemies.

Christ's throne is set up in his church, that is, in the hearts of all believers.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 2:1-12The Divine King. This psalm is supposed by some to have been written about the time of the coronation of Solomon. The heathen might then be the subject nations outside of Palestine, which threatened rebellion at this ti…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 2:1-12The King in Zion: a Messianic psalm. A close examination of this psalm will show it to be at once prophetic and Messianic. Its date and author are not certainly known. The style rather points to David as the probable wr…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 2:1-12The heathen in three aspects. I. AS SLAVES OF SIN. The condition of peoples varies. Civilization was more advanced in Greece and Rome than in other parts of the world. But though there may be superiority in some respect…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 2:1-12EXPOSITION HERE we have again a psalm without a title, and, so far, we are left to conjecture its age and author. The Jews, however, have always regarded it as Davidical; and there is evidence in Scripture itself (Acts…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 2:1Why do the heathen rage? The psalmist writes with a vision before his eyes. He "sees Jehovah upon his throne, and Messiah entering upon his universal dominion. The enemies of both on earth rise up against them with fran…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 2:2-6The false and the true in kingship. There is a silent contrast throughout this psalm between the "kings of earth" (Psalms 2:2) and" my King" (Psalms 2:6). I. THE FALSE IS CHARACTERIZED BY SELF-SEEKING; THE TRUE BY SELF-…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 2:2The kings of the earth set themselves; or, draw themselves up in array (comp. Jeremiah 46:4). Such kings as Herod the Great, Herod Agrippa, Nero, Galerius, Diocletian, Julian the Apostate, etc. There is always a warfare…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 2:3Let us break their bands asunder. Wicked men always feel God's rule and his Law to be restraints. They chafe at them, fret against them, and, in the last resort—so far as their will goes—wholly throw them off. And cast…Joseph S. Exell and contributors