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Psalm 2 - Royal
Literary Context
Psalm 2, a royal psalm, pairs with Psalm 1 to introduce the entire book of Psalms. As a royal psalm, it is deeply rooted in the Davidic covenant—God's promise to David of an eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7). Royal psalms navigate the tension between the apparent failure of David's royal line and an unwavering faith in God's faithfulness to this promise. Central to Psalm 2 and other royal psalms is the figure of the anointed king, portrayed as having a unique father-son relationship with the God of Israel.
Reflection
After Psalm 1 describes for readers what it looks like to walk the path towards true blessing, fruitfulness and life, Psalm 2 describes the challenges that will be faced by those who choose to take this journey. In this psalm, the “kings of this world” (Psalm 2:2-3) represent humanity that believes it knows a better way than the one God has set. The “rulers of the earth” stand for those who have chosen to reject submission and dependance on their Creator (Psalm 2:10-11).
However, in the midst of the turmoil that Psalm 2 describes, it also offers an invitation for refuge. Safety can be found by those who look to God’s Son—the Anointed King who holds authority over every kingdom on earth (Psalm 2:6-8).
The last line of Psalm 2 begins with esher, a word which points us back to Psalm 1 (You can re-read the devotional from Day 1 if you need a refresher on the meaning of this word). The life of success and happiness which was promised for those who choose God’s path (as described in Psalm 1) is not devoid of difficulty and treachery (as described in Psalm 2). And yet, the final line of Psalm 2 affirms that a state of true blessedness is nevertheless attainable, and it is experienced by all who look to the Son for protection from every danger..
Response
What are some specific challenges that you face to your commitment to walking on God’s path? What are the strategies Psalm 2 offers for maintaining perseverance on your faith journey?
For further reading:
- Psalm 45
- Psalm 89
- Psalm 110
Scripture
About this Plan
In this devotional, we will follow the path towards thanksgiving and praise set for us by the Psalms by looking at individual psalms through the lens of their literary genre. On this journey, there will be space to acknowledge sorrow, express doubt, and even to voice anger. We will learn to be real even while reorienting ourselves towards God. And we will practice responding to him with gratitude simply because of who he is, what he has already done, and our confidence that he will see us through every season of life.
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