December 20, 2021
Scripture: Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” Psalm 2:1-3 ESV
Observation: Scholars believe that author of Psalm 1 also wrote Psalm 2 as a combined psalter. Psalm 1 contrasts the wise who delight in following the Lord’s instruction and prosper versus the wicked who scoff at God’s laws and perish. In Psalm 2, he expands on the same principle, but with Davidic Covenant implications. Likely not fully understanding the messianic element of the Davidic Covenant, the author sees Israel one day ruling the nations and its king rising above their resistance. Nevertheless, this prophetic language poignantly reveals the second coming of Christ when those who have no love of God will continue to their last breath to plot in vain to destroy his Anointed—seeing their actions as a means of liberation from the Lord’s oppressive laws. Similar to the warning in Psalm 1, it will not go well for these rebels, for the eternally “begotten Son” will dash them to pieces (verse 9).
Takeaway: The author closes the psalm with a plea to heed his warning and “Kiss the Son” (verse 12). Understood as a sign of submission, many scholars believe that there may be a transposition of two Hebrew words that would better render a more robust sign of respect: “Kiss his feet.” For those who love Jesus, this is beautiful imagery of submission to our Lord and Savior. It reminds us of the forgiven woman who expressed heartfelt love and gratitude for her Master when she cleaned his dusty feet with her tears and hair, all the while repeatedly kissing them (Luke 7:36-38). Sadly, though, the psalmist reveals to us a stark reality of our secular culture. They see the commands of Christ as an encumbrance of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And those who remain hardened in heart will learn the hard way that what they perceive as the path to freedom and joy will end in subjugation and misery.
Blessed are they whose “delight is in the law of the LORD” (Psalm 1:2), who “Kiss the [feet of the] Son” and “take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:12). They will be “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither” (Psalm 1:3).
Prayer: Father God, would you please help us to remember your Son’s extravagant love for and forgiveness toward us, that we might kiss his feet with heartfelt gratitude? And please help us to delight in your laws, that we might yield much fruit for your kingdom. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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