No Ordinary King
The Queen’s Coronation in 1953 was the first coronation in history to be a truly global spectacle. It was broadcast in 39 languages to 200 million viewers worldwide. It was important for it to be a global event because, even though the days of Empire were gone, the Queen was still monarch to millions of people in nations scattered across the globe. Psalm 2 describes another grand coronation—namely, the enthronement of the Davidic king in Israel. But it also points to a greater King to come. It issues a great warning, but also a gentle wooing, that we would be wise to consider today.
The coronation in Psalm 2 begins not with a celebration but with a rebellion. Israel was surrounded by small city-states with their own rulers. These petty monarchs were plotting against the Lord of Israel and against his anointed King. The Psalmist wonders at their behaviour with bemusement: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (v. 1) Rebellion against the Lord and his Anointed King are nothing new—it really goes back to Garden of Eden. From the first, the Lord has been the rightful ruler over the world he has made, yet men and women have chosen to cast off his rule and live their own way. An insecure leader might shudder at such opposition. But the Lord is anything but threatened (He actually laughs, v. 4) because He has installed His royal representative on the throne (v. 6).
Against this background of rebellion, a great coronation takes place. The court is assembled, and in a display of grandeur and power, the Lord places the King on his throne. As the crown is placed upon the King’s head, he is given a title of dignity: “You are my Son” (v. 7). The Old Testament king could be called a son of God (so great was his privilege and so dignified his role). But here an Old Testament king is called God’s “Son”, and then promised universal rule over nations to the ends of the earth (v. 8). This promise seems to outgrow any Old Testament king. Indeed, the New Testament confirms that this Psalm points forward to King David’s greater son – the king who is truly God’s begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The prophecy is fulfilled at the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, when Jesus is declared to be God’s “Son” (Romans 1:4).
We can easily imagine Jesus to be meek and mild to the point of powerlessness – especially at Christmas when we picture the babe in the manger. But gentle baby Jesus is also mighty King Jesus. Notice verse 9: “You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” We struggle with this description because monarchs now tend to occupy a symbolic role within the life of the nation. They wield scissors for ribbon-cutting, but not iron scepters for ruling. Psalm 2 issues an important warning: “…therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned…Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling…for his wrath is quickly kindled.” (vv. 10-12) If we will not bow before the Son – if we will not kiss His signet – we will face His anger.
The good news is that this King graciously woos us. Psalm 2 concludes, “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (v. 12) This King will vanquish His enemies at His second coming, but He is the same king who died for His enemies at His first coming. His death paid the price for our rebellion and it purchases our safety for the judgment to come. Thanks be to God!