The Holy War
Psalm 2:1-12
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?…


A vivid picture of the revolt against Messiah.

I. THE EXTENT OF THE REVOLT. Nations, People, Kings, Rulers. Christ has encountered this opposition —

1. In all nations.

2. In all ranks.

3. In all generations. Christ was rejected by His own age (Acts 4:27).

II. THE DETERMINATION BY WHICH THIS REVOLT WAS CHARACTERISED. It is —

1. Deliberate.

2. Combined.

3. Resolute.

III. THE SECRET CAUSE OF THIS REVOLT. They rebel against the laws of God in Christ.

IV. THE VANITY OF THIS OPPOSITION TO CHRIST.

1. The unreasonableness of it. "WHY do the heathen rage?" No satisfactory answer can be given.

2. The uselessness of it. It is "vain," because useless.

V. THE CONCLUSION. The Psalmist gives —

1. An admonition: "Be wise now."

2. A direction: "Serve the Lord." Do Him homage.

(W. L. Watkinson.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

WEB: Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?




The Heathen in Three Aspects
Top of Page
Top of Page