Psalms – Chapter 2

Old Testament13 Verses

1Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things?

2The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.

3Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us.

4He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them.

5Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his rage.

6But I am appointed king by him over Sion, his holy mountain, preaching his commandment.

7The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.

8Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

10And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

11Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling.

12Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way.

13When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are all they that trust in him.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 2 presents themes of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God that Catholic tradition has long cherished. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The teaching that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him remains as relevant today as when first written.

The Church reads Scripture within the context of the liturgy, where the Word of God is proclaimed and celebrated. The Catechism teaches that "in the liturgy, God speaks to his people and Christ is still proclaiming his Gospel" (CIC 1088). This chapter, when read in the context of the Church's worship, takes on deeper meaning.

Catholic biblical scholarship, guided by the Magisterium, helps us understand both the historical context and the spiritual meaning of these texts. The four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—open up the richness of God's Word. May your reading of this chapter bear fruit in holiness and service to others.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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