...take refuge in the Lord...

Psalm 2

God’s Promise to His Anointed

1   Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 

2   The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and His anointed, saying, 

3   “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast their cords from us.” 

4   He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision. 

5   Then He will speak to them in His wrath and terrify them in His fury, saying, 

6   “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.” 

7   I will tell of the decree of the Lord:

He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. 

8   Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage and the ends of the earth your possession. 

9   You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 

11 Serve the Lord with fear; with trembling 

12 kiss His feet, or He will be angry, and you will perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled.

Happy are all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 2 is a “royal psalm” because it concerns the anointing and coronation of one of the Davidic kings, although there is no knowledge of this specific king in particular. The psalm begins with the turmoil of the nations and ends with the blessing of those who trust in the Lord.

The beginning and end of this psalm are so reflective of our specific times, are they not? Our nation and our world are upside down with wars and violence. Racial, religious, and political hatred and prejudice abound in all nations on earth in our time. Verse 1, in particular, reminds me of our times: “…the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain…”. So we must appreciate, especially, the closing words of Psalm 2: “Happy are all who take refuge in Him.” Let these words ring in your hearts throughout the day.

This Psalm 2 in one of the most quoted in the New Testament. Look at Mt. 3:17; Mk. 1:11; Lk .3:22; Acts 13:33, and Romans 1:4. ; Hebrews 1:3, 5-6; Revelations 12:5, 11:16-18, 19:15. But take note that the theological significance of Psalm 2 lies in the hope that it entails. The anointed king rules by God’s appointment. The wise response of repentance — kissing God’s feet and taking refuge in Him — is a victory for the Messiah (v.12) and a token of the final victory over His enemies, the opponents of God’s kingdom.

Today, I invite you to consider the final words: “Happy are all who take refuge in Him.” Pray that God’s grace will draw you into living a life characterized by you taking refuge in Him! Pray for that today. Take time and let God tell you how you can do this today! And why should we do this? Because of verse 7: “You are my son; today I have begotten you” Psalm.2:7. 

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.