Psalm 2:10-11 - Therefore, you kings, be wise

White House State Dining Room Prayer

This photo shows the mantle in the White House State Dining Room engraved with the prayer of President John Adams: "I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."

Photo courtesy of the White House Historical Society. Source: www.presidentialprayerteam.org

Psalm 2:10-11

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; Take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling.

Psalm 2:10-11

Commentary

This psalm was reported to be used in the coronation ceremony of kings seated in Israel. It starts by admonishing rulers who think that they could govern without the guidance of God. As the psalm progresses we see that God finds these efforts humorous. He has already put a plan in place: His son will rule with power and authority. By the time we get to today's passage the writer gives a word of advice - if earthly kings understand who is the true king is, they will recognize that there will come a day where we will all have to give an account for every action of governance. So kiss the Son and give Him homage. He is a refuge to all who are called to rule on this earth.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC