Psalms 2:11
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Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
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 (Psa 2:6, Psa 2:7): "Thou art my Son" (Psa 2:8), "I will give thee the uttermost parts of the earth," and (Psa 2:12), "Kiss the Son." It is interpreted of Christ Act 4:24; Act 13:33; Heb 1:5. The Holy Ghost here foretels, I. The opposition that should be given to the kingdom of the Messiah (Psa 2:1-3). II. The baffling and chastising of that opposition (Psa 2:4, Psa 2:5). III. The setting up of the kingdom of Christ, notwithstanding that opposition (Psa 2:6). IV. The confirmation and establishment of it (Psa 2:7). V. A promise of the enlargement and success of it (Psa 2:8, Psa 2:9). VI. A call and exhortation to kings and princes to yield themselves the willing subjects of this kingdom, (Psa 2:10-12). Or thus: We have here, I. Threatenings denounced against the adversaries of Christ's kingdom (Psa 2:1-6). II. Promises made to Christ himself, the head of this kingdom (Psa 2:7-9). III. Counsel given to all to espouse the interests of this kingdom (Psa 2:10-12). 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, a…
Open source ↗2:11-12 rejoice: Rulers must welcome the Son as their true and only King. • Submit to God’s royal son (or Submit to God’s royal Son, or kiss the son): Kissing was an expression of submission (Hos 13:2). • The Lord gives joy to all who fear him (Ps 1:1-2) and trust him (18:30; 34:22; 119:1-3).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?
In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him.
The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad.
The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!