"I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, 'You are my Son: today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.'" Psalm 2:7-9
I'm having a bit of trouble with today's passage, so maybe someone can help me out. I've consulted my study bible notes and Matthew Henry's commentary on this one. There are the obvious points but I am still left with a few questions about the last verse. I think I have an idea of what it means, so here it goes...
First, the obvious points. In this grouping of verses, David is most likely recalling what the Lord said to him at his coronation as king. Although these words were originally directed to David, they were eventually intended for Jesus Christ, since Jesus would eventually come to earth in the line of David. Jesus is the Son of God, begotten by God the Father. He came to save the Gentiles ("the nations") and He will be given His people. Through the working of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God, their hearts will be broken and they will submit to Him as their Savior. The last part of the passage, verse 9, is where I have a few lingering questions. I believe that the first part, "You shall break them with a rod of iron..." is referring to the Gentile nations submitting to David's rule. And, in a parallel sense, it is referring to Christians being saved and submitting to Christ's rule.
There is one study that I read that pointed to the portion of this passage that says "...and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." It relates this to the practice of many kings and people of that time of writing the names of their enemies on clay pots and then smashing them, symbolizing their victory over them. If this is so, then this last part probably refers to the judgment of non-believers.
So, what application can I get from this passage? This passage leads me to praise and worship God. He is almighty, omnipotent, and all knowing. His plan was conceived before time. as we know it, began and was put into motion when the earth and all that we know was created. In the decree contained in these verses, David and the others of his time saw the promise made to David. God, on the other hand, knew what, and who, was to come. How awesome is our God!! How glorious is our God!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I believe you have it right. You were right yesterday about the history of the Kings banding together to overthrow David, but it also refers to how all heathen wish to over throw God. Vs 1-2 "Why do you heathen Rage and people murmur in vain? The Kings of the earth band themselves together against the Lord and against his Christ" (Geneva Bible) This Christ , as you know, is the one whom God says "Thou art my son" and in vs 8 "I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance . . "
ReplyDeleteHere God says to Christ (His Annointed), 'I am giving these that rage against us into your hand. There is nought that they can do about that, for as i said in verse 4, I laugh at their rage and schemes.' In verse 9 God continues to tell his son 'It is to you i give them over, you may crush them and smash them to pieces like a piece of pottery.' And indeed Christ will do this upon his return at the end of the age to all that have not bowed the knee, to all that rage against Him.
The Psalmist then takes it from there in the closing verses and points the finger at the raging heathen, the band of kings, and all readers, 'If this anointed has been given charge over you by God, don't be a fool, humble yourself below him and seek his mercy while it may yet still be found.'
Good stuff. I like how i started by saying you got it right then i went off and said everything you said in one long comment. Can you imagine how long i would have typed if you actually needed help?
LOL...No, I think it can be helpful to say it or read it in different words. You said it in a much more thoughtful way than I did. :)
ReplyDelete