Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Psalms 2

As the foregoing psalm was moral, and showed us our duty, so this is evangelical, and shows us our Saviour. Under the type of David’s kingdom (which was of divine appointment, met with much opposition, but prevailed at last) the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is prophesied of, which is the primary intention and scope of the psalm; and I think there is less in it of the type, and more of the anti-type, than in any of the gospel psalms, for there is nothing in it but what is applicable to Christ, but some things that are not at all applicable to David (Psalms 2:6, 2:7): “Thou art my Son” (Psalms 2:8), “I will give thee the uttermost parts of the earth,” and (Psalms 2:12), “Kiss the Son.” It is interpreted of Christ Acts 4:24, 13:33, 1:5. The Holy Ghost here foretels, I. The opposition that should be given to the kingdom of the Messiah, Psalms 2:1-2:3. II. The baffling and chastising of that opposition, Psalms 2:4, 2:5. III. The setting up of the kingdom of Christ, notwithstanding that opposition, Psalms 2:6. IV. The confirmation and establishment of it, Psalms 2:7. V. A promise of the enlargement and success of it, Psalms 2:8, 2:9. VI. A call and exhortation to kings and princes to yield themselves the willing subjects of this kingdom,, Psalms 2:10-2:12. Or thus: We have here, I. Threatenings denounced against the adversaries of Christ’s kingdom, Psalms 2:1-2:6. II. Promises made to Christ himself, the head of this kingdom, Psalms 2:7-2:9. III. Counsel given to all to espouse the interests of this kingdom, Psalms 2:10-2:12. This psalm, as the former, is very fitly prefixed to this book of devotions, because, as it is necessary to our acceptance with God that we should be subject to the precepts of his law, so it is likewise that we should be subject to the grace of his gospel, and come to him in the name of a Mediator. MHBCC 481.1