A coronation song for God's anointed, proclaiming the new kings triumPh over his enemies.
Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-3
st. 2 = vv. 4-6
st. 3 = vv. 7-9
st. 4 = vv. 10-12
This messianic psalm about Yahweh's anointed king from David's line applies both to earthly kings and to David's greatest Son, who now reigns on David's throne (Luke 1:32; Acts 13:33). In the ancient world the power of a newly crowned king was usually challenged by subject monarchs and peoples; here, too, those who would resist the reign of God's anointed conspire to throw off the "chains" of God (v. 3) and of his appointed Son (w. 7, 12). The versification is from the 1912 Psalter, with alterations mainly in stanzas 3 and 4. It follows the psalm's thematic structure closely: first comes the almost incredulous "Why?"-What folly funds their dreams!-(st. 1); then we hear God's laughter and rebuke (st. 2); next, the Messiah confidently announces God's imperial proclamation enthroning him (st. 3); and that calls forth a warning to the rebels to submit with joy or taste the wrath of God and his Son (st. 4). The phrase "You are my Son" (st. 3) is quoted several times in the New Testament.
Liturgical Use
Advent, Easter, Ascension, and other celebrations of the enthronement of the LORD's anointed.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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