Psalms — Chapter 2
Why do nations assemble,and peoples plotaplot Lit. “utter.” vain things;
kings of the earth take their stand,and regents intrigue togetheragainst the one anointed by GOD?bagainst the one anointed by GOD Lit. “against GOD and against His anointed one.”
“Let us break the cords of their yoke,shake off their ropes from us!”
The One who is enthroned in heaven laughs;my Sovereign mocks at them.
Then [God] speaks to them in anger,terrifying them with divine rage,
“But I have installed My kingon Zion, My holy mountain!”
Let me tell of the decree: GOD said to me,“You are My son,I have fathered you this day.cYou are My son, / I have fathered you this day I.e., GOD agrees to provide the king with what fathers in the ancient Near East normally provide sons: ongoing protection and aid, in return for accountability. Compare 2 Sam. 7.14 and Ps. 89.27ff.
Ask it of Me,and I will make the nations your domain;your estate, the limits of the earth.
You can smash them with an iron mace,shatter them like potter’s ware.”
So now, O kings, be prudent;accept discipline, you rulers of the earth!
Serve GOD in awe;tremble with fright,dtremble with fright Meaning of Heb. uncertain; in contrast to others “rejoice with trembling.”
pay homage in good faith,epay homage in good faith Meaning of Heb. uncertain. lest [God] be angered, and your way be doomedin the mere flash of divine anger.Happy are all who take refuge in [God].
✦ Connected Across Traditions
Good vs Evil / Light vs Darkness
Yasna 30:3
“Now the two primal Spirits, who reveal themselves as Twins, are the Better and the Bad, in thought and word and action.”
John 1:5
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Dhammapada 1:1-2
“Mind is the forerunner of all actions. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow.”
Bhagavad Gita 16:21
“There are three gates to self-destructive hell: lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, one must learn to give these up.”