Psalm 2 "Why do the heathen nations rage? Why do the peoples plot in vain?" Tune: Before the Throne

Psalm 2
Sing Psalms version - "Why do the heathen nations rage? Why do the peoples plot in vain?"
Tune: Before the Throne
Falkirk Free Church
The images are only intended to provide resonances with some aspects of the psalm; they are not intended as a one-to-one correspondences. They are more like visual cross-references.
images:
The nations (Genesis 10-11)
Pilate Washes His Hands & Herod - James Tissot (Acts 4: 27)
Conspiracy of the Jews - James Tissot (Acts 4: 27)
Mount Zion - James Tissot
Jeremiah and the potter - William Brassey Hole (Jeremiah chapters 17-19 -note also links with Psalm 1)
The dedication of the temple - James Tissot (1 Kings 8 & 2 Chronicles 7)

Psalm 2 has a chiastic structure. It is also possible to see this as going together with Psalm 1 and the whole also has a chiastic structure. This is seen perhaps most clearly in the idea of the blessed which opens Psalm 1 and closes Psalm 2.

Some verses of Psalm 2 are referenced in the New Testament:

Verses 1-2: in a speech attributed to Peter and John in Acts 4:25-26.
Verse 7: in Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5.
Verses 8-9: in Revelation 2:26,27; 12:5; 19:15.

For a sermon on Psalm 1 see https://youtu.be/Gh8Fc8R02L0
For a lecture on this psalm and psalm 1 see https://youtu.be/vTwW0-IyB_Q

Acts 4: 23-37
Being let go, they came to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who by the mouth of your servant, David, said,

‘Why do the nations rage,
and the peoples plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth take a stand,
and the rulers take council together,
against the Lord, and against his Christ.’

“For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.”

When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

PSALM 2 L.M.

1 Why do the heathen nations rage?
Why do the peoples plot in vain?
2 Earth’s kings combine in enmity;
Her rulers join against God’s reign.

They take their stand against the LORD
And challenge his anointed one:
3 “Let us break off their chains from us;
With their restraints let us be done.”

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
The Lord on high derides them all.
5 Then he rebukes them in his wrath;
His rage and terror on them fall.

6 The LORD has made it known to them:
“My chosen king I have installed
On Zion, my own holy hill.
He is the one whom I have called.”

7 The king then solemnly declares:
“I will proclaim the LORD’s decree.
‘Today your father I’ve become;
You are my son,’ he said to me.

8 “ ‘Ask me, and for your heritage
I’ll give you nations near and far.
9 You’ll break them with an iron rod,
And smash them like a potter’s jar.’ ”

10 Now therefore, kings, true wisdom find;
You judges of the earth, give ear.
11 With rev’rence come and serve the LORD;
Bow down with joy and trembling fear.

12 Pay homage to the royal son
Lest you in wrath aside are thrust,
For swiftly can his anger blaze.
Blessèd are all who in him trust.