God is sovereign and has dominion over the created order, no matter how glorious or chaotic the world may become. Throughout human history, the kingdoms of man have greatly desired autonomy in relation to our Creator. Simply put, we want God’s blessings (i.e., glory, gold, and goods) in a world free from His rule over us. In our fallen condition, we love the provision but despise the Provider.
Genesis 11 tells the story of the Tower of Babel, where all humanity spoke one language. In their strength and ingenuity, they united to build a great city that featured a tower reaching into heaven. Their primary motivation was to rival God by magnifying their own names over the earth: “…let us make a name for ourselves…” In response, God witnesses this construction effort and judges them for their pride by confusing their languages and dispersing them throughout the earth. While the tower was dismantled, human enmity toward God has persisted into our post-modern world.
Understanding the Genesis 11 story is essential to fully appreciate the contempt that the kingdoms of men (nations) have for God, as described in Psalm 2. The chronology of human history is rife with wars and conflicts (both foreign and civil). However, one thing sinful humanity can establish a consensus on is how to exalt themselves in an attempt to overthrow God.
The biography of man reveals an incessant pursuit to enthrone himself as ruler of the world through systems of government and false religions. By worshiping things created instead of the Creator, humanity has lifted its heart against God, thus deifying itself to be worshipped. In speaking of fallen man, Paul writes in Romans 1:21-25:
“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (22) Claiming to be wise, they became fools, (23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (24) Therefore, God gave them up in the lust of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, (25) because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”
Psalm 2 depicts a royal “kingship” theme whose ultimate purpose is to celebrate the coronation of God’s anointed, eternal King, Jesus, while exposing the hostile nations that oppose the authority and sovereignty of God. The writer of this Psalm, David (cf. Acts 4:25-26), observes the seditious attitude of humanity against the Creator: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?”
Keeping Genesis 11 in view, Psalm 2 is both instructive and encouraging as followers of Christ endeavor to live in submission to God in a world that remains hostile to Him, His Gospel, and His Son. It also offers us a heavenly perspective, instilling confidence that Jesus reigns on the throne over all creation. Let’s explore some truths this text offers us.
Why Do the Nations Continually Plot in Vain? (v1-3)
David appears somewhat amazed by the rebellious disposition of nations against God. Like in the Tower of Babel, the kingdoms gather to conspire to overthrow Him. David states (verse 2), “…the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed...” Why are they plotting an insurrection? The answer is that they desire to be free from the authority and rule of God’s Anointed One, thus (verse 3), “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”
The Bible declares that Jesus Christ (the Anointed One referred to in Psalm 2) inherited authority and rule over all creation as a result of the work of the cross and his resurrection. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords right NOW—not just in some distant future. Hebrews teaches (Heb 10:12-13):
“But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, (13) waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet (cf. Eph 1:19-23).”
As trials and tribulations continually grow like birth pangs in this age, the nations still do not seek God in Christ for answers. They continue to reject Him and His gospel message because they do not want to be under His authority (cf. Lk 19:11-27). To them, God’s message of salvation is foolish to accept and submit to. Paul teaches (1 Cor 1:18):
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Paul also adds (Rom 8:7):
“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”
It is wise for believers to have a biblical expectation of why there is enmity between God and fallen man. We should not marvel at this but be encouraged that God has revealed it to us through His Word and saved us from the corruption of the earth by granting us citizenship in a heavenly kingdom.
Response from Heaven (v4-6)
God’s answer is two-fold. First, an anthropomorphic description is used to convey God’s reaction in human terms. Observing the folly of such plotting by man, the Bible states that He “laughs.” God’s contempt for man’s evil plans ignites His wrath, which now lies heavily upon them. His resolution is to install His King in Jerusalem (Zion) to end this rebellion. In the Old Testament, God anointed King David as ruler over Israel, and through him, God subjugated all the surrounding enemies (nations) that opposed Him and His chosen people (2 Sam 8, 1 Chr 18).
Likewise, Jesus Christ is the eternal King and a descendant of David. By His death and resurrection, He freed those who placed their faith in Him from the bondage of sin and defeated the devil’s power over death. He conquered our true enemies under the power of the blood-stained cross. The Bible declares (Heb 2:14-15):
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil (15) and deliver all those who through fear were subject to lifelong slavery.”
At the end of the age, Jesus, who is the anointed King over “Spiritual Israel,” will have final victory over all that oppose Him (Rev 19:11-21).
Authority Over the Nations Decreed (v7-9)
God affirms the king’s right to rule with the statement, “You are my Son.” This is a direct quote from the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam 7:14), where the Lord establishes David as king of Israel. However, the usage of the title “Son” takes on a messianic meaning here. Furthermore, the text states (verse 7), “…today I have begotten you,” which ultimately refers to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He has the right to rule, and all of creation has been given to Him as an inheritance. Paul reinforces this truth when he teaches (Col 1:15-16):
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (16) For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.”
Additionally, this Psalm declares that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who has inherited rule over the earth, including the nations of men who reject His authority, whether they agree or not. We cannot say to Christ, “Not my president!” or “Not my king!”
One reason the reign of Christ is met with such hostility is that He has been given authority to judge the nations (verse 9): “You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Jesus also declared to the multitudes (Jn 5:22-23), “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, (23) that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father…”
Final Call to the Nations of Men (v10-12)
The message of this Psalm is clear: Fallen man is by nature rebellious and rejects the authority of God in heaven. In accordance with the providential plan of God, he has ordained his Son to rule the nations with an iron rod. As men, we are created beings and do not get a vote on this matter, nor do we have any power to resist the will of God. The Bible boldly declares that whether you are a believer or a non-believer, ALL will honor the Son, and declare him to be King of all in the final analysis at the end of the age. Yes, even the inhabitants of hell will worship Him!
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, (10) so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (11) and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phi 2:9-11).”
As believers, we often see much in the world that seems out of control. Discouragement can lead us to think, “Evil is prevailing on the earth; God has lost control.” Remember, Jesus sovereignly rules over all things. No matter how dire things may appear, He is on the throne! This truth, declared and decreed by the Word of God, should help us sustain our hope and remain encouraged amid the perils of life that can often bewilder us. Let us trust in God and the promises given in His Son.
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
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