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This verse is taken from:
Psalm 2. 1-12
“search the scriptures” John 5:39
One might not immediately associate the psalms with divine commands but in Psalm 2 we have a whole phalanx of them towards its climax - be wise, be instructed, serve, rejoice, and kiss the Son. The reason for these commands, repeated in quick succession, is to demonstrate the urgency of making peace with God and His Son as the day of manifestation fast approaches. The psalm is in four sections and these may be variously described. RICHARDSON suggests that there are four voices: the voice of the world, vv. 1-3; of the Father, vv. 4-6; of the Son, vv. 7-9; and, finally, of the Holy Spirit, vv. 10-12.
In the first stanza the heathen rage and the kings and rulers of earth take counsel together against God and against His Christ. The second shows Jehovah’s response to such miserable plans; ‘He that sitteth ... shall laugh’. The third demonstrates that all power and authority has been delegated to the Son and that shortly He shall rule with a rod of iron. The fourth is the advice of the Spirit who, in the light of that, counsels wisdom, prudence and urgency in three ways.
Firstly, He advises we should ‘serve the Lord with fear’. The humble, yet loyal, service of a bondslave is in view. Such is fully committed to his lord with whom he is familiar yet he must pursue his service with reverence. This acknowledges sovereignty and we are indeed honoured to serve God as He commands. Secondly, we are to rejoice but with trembling. There is much in which to rejoice. This psalm, often quoted in the New Testament and the first of the Messianic psalms, shows God in absolute control and the Son on His throne, thus ensuring the comprehensive defeat of all enemies. But rejoicing should not be expressed in wild abandon but with quiet and meditative dignity. Thirdly, we should ‘kiss the Son’. It has been said that a kiss can be indicative of different things; of love between equals; of submission by inferiors; and of adoration by worshippers. As we draw near in intimacy, we show our love and loyalty. It is clear from the Psalm that those who fail in this matter will perish from the way. It is good to ‘kiss the Son’ and to do so in adoring worship.
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