Notes on the Second Psalm

Psalm 2:1 - Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Rhetorical questions in the prophetic style; mild sarcasm.  The point?  To demonstrate the absurdity of rebellion against God.

This Psalm can be divided up into three different speakers, like a conversation.  The prophet speaks in verses 1 through 5.  God the Father speaks in verse 6.  Jesus Christ speaks in verses 7 through 9, quoting the Father in verses 8-9.  And the prophet concludes with verses 10-12.

Psalm 2:5-6 - Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.  "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion."

Quotation marks added to show what God the father "shall speak unto them in his wrath."  See Revelation 14:1 for the fulfillment.

Psalm 2:7-9 - Cross reference Hebrews 1:5, 5:5.

"Begotten" in verse 7 in reference to His Resurrection.  Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5.  So the inheritance in verse 8 is also tied to His Resurrection, Revelation 5.

Verse 9 - See W. C. Wright, "Psalms (Volume 1)", page 43 and following for help.  Fulfilled in Revelation 9, Revelation 19.

VM