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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 2, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? {rage: or, tumultuously assemble} {imagine: Heb. meditate}
Psalms 2:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, {saying},
Psalms 2:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Psalms 2:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Psalms 2:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. {vex: or, trouble}
Psalms 2:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. {set: Heb. anointed} {upon...: Heb. upon Zion, the hill of my holiness}
Psalms 2:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou {art} my Son; this day have I begotten thee. {the decree: or, for a decree}
Psalms 2:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give {thee} the heathen {for} thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth {for} thy possession.
Psalms 2:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Psalms 2:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Psalms 2:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Psalms 2:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish {from} the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed {are} all they that put their trust in him.
Psalms 2:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.