Why are the nations in an uproar,
And the peoples devising a vain thing?
[2] The kings of the earth take their stand,
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the Lord and against His Anointed:
[3] "Let us tear their fetters apart,
And cast away their cords from us!"
[4] He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
[5] Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury:
[6] "But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain."
[7] "I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to Me, 'Thou art My Son,
Today I have begotten Thee
[8] 'Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Thine inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Thy possession.
[9] 'Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron,
Thou shalt shatter them like earthenware.' "
[10] Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
[11] Worship the Lord with reverence,
And rejoice with trembling.
[12] Do homage to the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
Psalm 2 - Psalm 2:1-12
Open It
* 1. What characteristics make a good leader?
2. What do you think are some of the dangers in being a leader?
Explore It
3. What rhetorical question opens this psalm? (2:1)
4. How successful are people when they plot against the Lord? (2:1)
5. What aspects of the Lord’s character are revealed in this psalm? (2:1-12)
6. Who tries to stand against the Lord? (2:2)
7. What do the rulers of the world want to accomplish? (2:3)
8. How does God react to the leaders of the earth trying to overthrow Him? (2:4)
9. How does God demonstrate His righteousness to wicked people? (2:5)
* 10. What does God want us to know? (2:6-9)
11. How far does God’s power extend? (2:8)
12. What will God’s Anointed One accomplish? (2:9)
* 13. What warning are leaders given in this psalm? (2:10)
14. What are some dangers in being a leader? (2:10)
15. What attitude of worship should we have? (2:11)
* 16. What advice does this passage give us? (2:11-12)
Get It
17. How do you think the nations today are similar to the ones described in this psalm?
18. In what ways do you think rulers of our modern world conspire against Christ?
* 19. What are some of the dangers of being in leadership?
* 20. How is the psalm writer’s advice to leaders relevant to you?
21. Practically speaking, how can we “take refuge” in God?
22. What should we do to avoid God’s wrath?
23. How can Christian leaders protect themselves from using their status or power for selfish purposes?
24. What does this psalm teach us about God’s character?
25. How does this poem change your perception of God?
26. How do you think the words of this psalm could be applied to Christ?
27. In what practical ways can you demonstrate your respect for the Lord?
Apply It
* 28. What steps can you take in the next few weeks to use your influence for God’s glory?
29. What is one act of service to God that you could do today?
30. How can you “take refuge” in the Lord this next week?
AFFIRMATIONS
TODAY I AM:
Worshipping the Lord with reverence.
Rejoicing with trembling
Blessed because I take refuge in Him
