What does "kiss the Son" in Psalm 2:12 signify about submission? Understanding the Phrase “Kiss the Son” • Psalm 2:12: “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.” • “Kiss” in the ancient Near East was more than affection; it was a public gesture of loyalty and allegiance to a ruler. • “The Son” is the anointed King introduced in Psalm 2:6–7, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5). • Therefore, “kiss the Son” calls every person—including the rebellious kings pictured earlier—to bow, submit, and acknowledge His rightful rule. Cultural and Biblical Background of a Royal Kiss • 1 Samuel 10:1—Samuel kissed Saul when anointing him king, signaling acceptance of God’s chosen ruler. • 1 Kings 19:18—God noted those “whose mouths have not kissed Baal,” showing that kissing an idol meant pledging allegiance to it. • Luke 7:38—The sinful woman kissed Jesus’ feet, an act of humble devotion that contrasted Simon’s lack of honor. • Revelation 19:16—Christ appears as “King of kings,” and homage, not merely respect, is due Him. Submission Illustrated in Psalm 2 • Verses 1-3: Earth’s rulers rebel against the LORD and His Anointed. • Verses 4-6: God responds with sovereign laughter and installs His King on Zion. • Verses 7-9: The Son receives absolute authority—nations are His inheritance, the earth His possession. • Verses 10-12: The only safe response is reverent submission—“Serve the LORD with fear… Kiss the Son.” ➔ Submission is urgent (“lest He be angry”), universal (addressed to “kings” and, by extension, all people), and personal (homage specifically to the Son). Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Acknowledge Christ’s rightful throne in every area of life—thoughts, choices, relationships. • Trade self-rule for willing obedience: “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). • Cultivate reverent joy—Psalm 2 balances “fear” (v. 11) with “rejoice” and “blessed” (v. 12). • Seek refuge in Him, not in self-made security; submission is the pathway to blessing. Additional Scriptures That Echo This Call • Philippians 2:9-11—Every knee will bow, every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord. • John 5:23—“Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” • Hebrews 12:25—A warning not to refuse the One who speaks from heaven. • Psalm 95:6—“Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” To “kiss the Son” is to lay down rebellion, align with His kingship, and enter the blessing reserved for all who take refuge in Him. |
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