Psalm 2 New English Translation

Why do the nations rebel?
Why are the countries devising plots that will fail?
The kings of the earth form a united front;
the rulers collaborate
against the Lord and his anointed king.
They say, “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us.
Let’s free ourselves from their ropes.”
The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust;
the Lord taunts them.
Then he angrily speaks to them
and terrifies them in his rage, saying,
“I myself have installed my king
on Zion, my holy hill.”
The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree. He said to me:
‘You are my son. This very day I have become your father.
Ask me,
and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the ends of the earth as your personal property.
You will break them with an iron scepter;
you will smash them like a potter’s jar.’”
So now, you kings, do what is wise;
you rulers of the earth, submit to correction.
Serve the Lord in fear.
Repent in terror.
Give sincere homage.
Otherwise he will be angry,
and you will die because of your behavior,
when his anger quickly ignites.
How blessed are all who take shelter in him!

Reflection

Creator: prill | Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Copyright: Achim Prill

It isn't my favorite Psalm, but there are some good things to consider. First of all, reading the Bible is not meant to be a recipe book of truths to find. I recently heard a Rabbi describe on social media that we read the Hebrew Bible to discover meaning. There are a great deal of moments and sections that have tensions and unexpected outcomes that are meant to give us pause, wonder, and mystery.

So, even though this Psalm is pushing the national pride of being God's people, that isn't the only discovery. When I re-read with a bit more patience I noticed the obvious connection to "God's Son" -- the title given to the Davidic King and to King Jesus. I recognized that as the likely tie to the upcoming Festival of the Transfiguration. I blitzed right past that to the concept of "taking shelter" in God. This is an idiom for seeking God's protection. This in turn means a sense of trust in the Lord. The act of seeking shelter provided by God is a demonstration of loyalty. Once again, even though the nations may feel provoked by the pride of this Psalm, all are welcome to seek shelter. God sends rain and sunshine on the wicked and the good, inviting all to seek shelter in God and to return from that shelter to bask in the goodness and providence. Another meaning I noticed in this discovery is, "Where is God's shelter, where is God's presence?" These are questions to wonder about with another Bible text.

Great and Gracious God,

We love you and we turn to you. You are the porch, the awning, the storm shelter unmoved. Guide us to become more aware of your protecting ways. Lord, we lift up those that in need of your care and help,... be with all those that are sick or suffering in any way. We praise you for the goodness that you show to us. Continue to teach us what it means to love our enemies and what it means to trust deeply in you. In the Name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.