You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Psalm 2 (verses 7-9 emphasized)
One does not have to read very far into the book of Psalms before it becomes clear that king David is a special focus of the Psalms. In our verses today, the immediate look is to David’s opposition to his kingship in Israel. Nut, it is also frequently cited the New Testament in reference to the Lord’s “Anointed,” Jesus Christ. Under the old covenant, prophets, priests, and kings were set apart through anointing with oil. However, the designation Anointed came to apply specifically to the Davidic king who would be the Messiah. Christ comes from the Greek word christos, which means “anointed.” So, the Apostles, and Christians throughout history, have seen our verses today as having special reference to Jesus Christ. Now, note that the psalmist does not seem alarmed by the king’s foes by saying that the enemies’ plotting is “in vain.” The noisy enemies cannot finally achieve their ends. In ancient Israel, the king ruled as the God-appointed steward of the covenant community, so it was impossible to submit to God without submitting to the king. The king is fulfilling his responsibilities to know and keep the law of the Lord. Ancient Israelites were never justified in sinning even if the king might have told them to break God’s law. Submission to the Lord and His anointed one fostered hope in the ancient Israelites for the perfect Anointed One to come, the One to whom unquestioning allegiance could be sworn because he would never deviate from God’s law. This is the promised Anointed One, Lord Jesus Christ. It is impossible to submit to God without submitting to Him as Lord and Savior, for the Father has made Him Lord and Christ, bestowing upon Him the name above all names. All who do not submit themselves to the authority of Christ make war against God. God’s enemies vainly profess otherwise. Christ executes the office of King by subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. All who oppose this work do so in vain. He will conquer the hearts of His elect, drawing them all to Himself. He will defeat His enemies and ours. He is the mighty King and Lord of all, and we need not fear anything if we are in Him.
Source: S C Ball December 16, 2023
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