Ps. 2 THE ARGUMENT The penman of this Psalm was David, as is affirmed, Acts 4:25. As for the matter or subject of it, it may seem to have some respect unto David, and to his advancement to and settlement in the throne of Judah and Israel; but the chief design and scope of it, and the primary…

Why? upon what provocation, or to what end or purpose? The heathen, or, Gentiles; who did so against David, as we see, 2 Sam. 5:6, 2 Sam. 5:17, 1 Chron. 14:8;c. and against Christ, Luke 18:32, Acts 4:25;c.

The kings; either those mentioned 2 Sam. 5:0; 2 Sam. 8:0; or rather Herod the Great, and the other Herod, and Pilate, and others with or after them. Of the earth; so called in way of contempt, and to show their madness in opposing the God of heaven.

Their, i.e. the Lord’s and his anointed’s, bands, which they design to put upon our necks, that they may bring us into subjection. They mean the laws of God, which the king would oblige them to observe, which though easy and pleasant in themselves and to good men, Matt.

He that sitteth, as the Judge upon his tribunal, and as the King of the whole world upon his royal throne; who, without stirring from his place, can with one look or word destroy all his enemies. In the heavens: this is opposed to their being and reigning upon earth, Ps.

Then; in the midst of all their plots and confidences of success. Shall he speak to them in his wrath; he shall severely rebuke them, not so much verbally as really, by dreadful judgments. For God’s speaking is oft put for his actions; and so here it is explained by vexing in the next branch.

Yet; notwithstanding all their artifices and powerful combinations. Have I set, Heb. I have anointed, i.e. designed, appointed, or constituted, as this word is commonly used in Scripture, as of priests, 1 Chron. 29:22, and of prophets, 1 Kings 19:16, 1 Kings 19:19–20; so also of kings, Judg.

I will declare, or publish, that all people concerned may take notice of it, and submit to it upon their peril. Publication or promulgation is essential to all laws or statutes. The decree, or, concerning the decree, i.e.

Ask of me; claim or demand it of me, as thy right by my promise, and thy birth and purchase. For thine inheritance; to be possessed and enjoyed by thee in a manner of an inheritance, to wit, constantly, surely, and perpetually. The uttermost parts of the earth; either, 1.

Thou shalt break them, i.e. those people that will not quietly submit to thee, shall be crushed and destroyed by thee. With a rod of iron; with thy mighty power, which they shall never be able to resist.

Be wise; understand your true interest. Now, whilst you have time and space for repentance and submission. O ye kings; you and your people. But he speaks of and to kings only; partly, because they most needed the admonition, as presuming upon their own power and greatness, and thinking it below…

With fear, i.e. with reverence, and an awful sense of his great and glorious majesty, as very careful and diligent to please him, and afraid to offend him.

Kiss, in token of your subjection and adoration; whereof this was a sign among the Eastern nations, as is manifest both from Scripture, as 1 Sam. 10:1, 1 Kings 19:18, Hos. 13:2, and from heathen authors. Submit to his person and government. The Son, to wit, the Son of God, as appears from Ps.