DiscipleDeck
Get started
Bible Commentary

Psalms 2:12

Psalms 2:12

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

The kiss of homage.

"Kiss the Son," etc. That is, the Son of God, spoken of in . Our Saviour loved to call himself "Son of man," but he did not shrink from using also this name for which the Jews accused him of blasphemy (; ; ; ). The kiss of friendly greeting, still the ordinary custom in many countries, is referred to in innumerable passages of Scripture. Else the traitor Judas had not dared so to crown his treachery. Jesus noted the neglect of the kiss of hospitality (); did not disdain the kisses showered on his feet by the weeping penitent. But the text speaks, not of any of these, but of the kiss of homage or worship.

I. THE SUMMONS. "Kiss the Son"' Kings and judges of the earth (cf. ) are summoned to do homage to "the Son" as "Head over all" (). "Serve the Lord ' () implies this homage. Why rulers? As representing the nations (, ). Civil power is God's ordinance (, etc.). Otherwise neither despots nor democracies could have any right to make and execute laws. Christ's kingdom is not a kingdom of this world; but he is the Ruler of nations as well as individuals (). Till this is practically acknowledged—the whole of human life, public and private, rendered obedient to Christ's law—the nations cannot be "blessed in him" (; ).

II. THE WARNING. "Lest he be angry." The compassion, gentleness, tenderness of Jesus, are sometimes dwelt on to the exclusion of his majesty and righteousness (but see , , ; , etc.; ). There is no more tremendous phrase in Scripture than" the wrath of the Lamb" ().

III. THE DOOM OF THE DISOBEDIENT. "Perish from the way." What way? The way of salvation—of God; of truth; of holiness; of peace; of life (; ; 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:21; ; ; ; ). The most fearful punishment of sin is incapacity for holiness—spiritual death (). "Lest" is the awful shadow over the future, if you are rejecting Christ. "Now" is the sunshine on the path of faith and repentance (2 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

HOMILIES BY C. CLEMANCE

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotionalSave my progress

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 2:12

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Psalms 2 — OverviewPsalms 2 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleAs 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…Psalms 2 — OverviewPsalms 2 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 2:1, The kingdom of Christ; Psalms 2:10, Kings are exhorted to accept it.Psalms 2 — OverviewPsalms 2 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis psalm is the second in order, and so it is called in Ac 13:33; which shows that the book of Psalms was in the same form in the apostles' days as now, and as it ever had been; and though it is without a title, yet…Psalms 2:1-12Psalms 2:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION HERE we have again a psalm without a title, and, so far, we are left to conjecture its age and author. The Jews, however, have always regarded it as Davidical; and there is evidence in Scripture itself (Acts…Psalms 2:1-12Psalms 2:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe King in Zion: a Messianic psalm. A close examination of this psalm will show it to be at once prophetic and Messianic. Its date and author are not certainly known. The style rather points to David as the probable…Psalms 2:1-12Psalms 2:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe heathen in three aspects. I. AS SLAVES OF SIN. The condition of peoples varies. Civilization was more advanced in Greece and Rome than in other parts of the world. But though there may be superiority in some…
commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Silent TeacherDoes it feel like God is ignoring your prayers? Remember this: The Teacher is always quiet during the test. He hasn't left the room; He's waiting to see your answer.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe Heavy BrakeSlaves never rest. Sons do. If you can't stop working, you've forgotten you're free.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe Back of the TapestryWe judge the weaving before it is finished. We scream at the knots because we can't see the picture yet. Today, be honest with God about your pain, but end your prayer with trust: "Lord, I see the mess, but I trust the Weaver. Don't waste this pain.Discipledeck devotionThe Unfinished ListYou are not a machine; you are a soul. Machines run until they break; souls need to rest to survive. This week, pick one 24-hour period (or even a half-day to start) to turn off your work email, put away the chores, and just enjoy God and your family. The work will wait; your soul cannot.Discipledeck devotionThe Gift, Not the WageReligion says "I obey, therefore I am accepted." The Gospel says "I am accepted, therefore I obey." The order matters. If you are working for salvation, you are a slave. If you are working from salvation, you are a son. Rest in the "Done."Discipledeck