Reflection Questions

1. What are some important considerations to keep in mind when reading poetry?

2. Pick one of the images used in Psalm 2, and discuss the emotional impact it has on you. 

3. One of the beautiful things about the Psalms is that they are historically situated but continually relevant. Where do you see yourself in the second Psalm?

4. Look at Acts 4:23-31 and Acts 13:32-41. How does Luke apply this psalm to Jesus in the book of Acts?

5. Remember the three keys discussed: The Psalms are poems, the Psalms are part of a big story, the Psalms are Jesus’ songs. Pick one of those keys and discuss how it helps you to understand this Psalm at a deeper level. 

6. Putting together what you have discussed above, how might Psalm 2 lead you to pray today?

Psalm 2

Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers take counsel together,
    against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
    and cast away their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
    the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
    and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
    on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
    today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
    and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
    and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
    be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
    lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
    for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

FOOTNOTES

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.