What is the significance of "terrifying them" in the context of God's justice? Setting the Scene • Psalm 2 opens with nations and rulers plotting rebellion against the LORD and His Anointed. • Verses 4-5 set God’s immediate response: “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord taunts them. Then He rebukes them in His anger, and terrifies them in His fury, saying, ‘I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.’” (Psalm 2:4-6) The Force Behind “Terrifies Them” • Hebrew root: בָּהַל (bahal) carries ideas of sudden alarm, dismay, shaking. • God’s terror is not random fright; it is a purposeful, holy shock that confronts unrepentant hearts with the reality of His sovereignty. God’s Justice on Display • Terror arises from divine anger at unrestrained rebellion. • Justice demands a response equal to the offense; sin against infinite holiness merits an infinitely serious answer. • Supporting passages highlight this pattern: – “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) – “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth by their unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18) – “Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger?” (Nahum 1:6) Purpose of the Terror • Awakening: It exposes the futility of opposing God and stirs conscience toward repentance. • Vindication: It publicly affirms God’s commitment to uphold righteousness. • Protection of the faithful: By halting evil, God shields those who seek refuge in Him (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Contrast: Terror for Rebels, Refuge for Believers • Psalm 2 ends with a gracious invitation: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 2:12) • The same holiness that terrifies rebels becomes a fortress for those who submit. • Revelation 6:15-17 pictures the unrepentant begging mountains to hide them, while Revelation 7:15-17 shows the redeemed rejoicing before God’s throne. Living in Light of This Truth • Hold a healthy awe of God’s holiness and justice. • Resist every impulse to minimize sin; divine terror underscores its gravity. • Embrace the refuge offered in Christ. His cross satisfies justice, removing the terror for all who believe (Colossians 2:13-14). • Share the full counsel of Scripture—both mercy and judgment—so others may flee from wrath to come and find safety in the Son. Key Takeaways • “Terrifying them” in Psalm 2:5 is a deliberate act of divine justice, not cruelty. • God’s holy terror exposes rebellion, vindicates righteousness, and ultimately serves His redemptive purposes. • For every heart surrendered to Christ, the terror is transformed into blessing, security, and unshakeable joy in the reign of the King installed on Zion. |
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