Psalms 2

Psalms 2:1

The Nullity of Man

After Bildad has spoken about the greatness and exaltation of God in the previous verses, he then speaks about the insignificance of man (cf. Psalms 8:3-4). All revelation of God’s greatness and purity should effect man’s awareness of nullity, impurity, and sinfulness (Job 25:4). Bildad says this again with Job in mind.

God is perfect in holiness. How then would a man – read: Job –, born of a mortal, be pure in God’s eye (cf. Job 14:4)? Nothing of creation, not even the moon and the stars that shine so brightly in the night, is pure in God’s sight (cf. Job 4:18; Job 15:15). Job claims to be pure, but that is not true at all, according to Bildad. Everything and everyone is outsmarted by God in His holiness and righteousness.

Opposite the holy and exalted majesty of God, even the bright moon and the stars are not pure, let alone puny man who is no more than a maggot, a worm (Job 25:6). His body is extremely fragile. Like a moth he can be crushed to death (Job 4:19). And equally weak also are his intelligent faculties. No one suffers without having earned it, for every man is a maggot, a worm, compared to God. Eliphaz leaves open the possibility of being restored after conversion (Job 22:23), but Bildad’s question of whether a man can be just with God presupposes a negative answer.

Every man deserves to be punished for his sins. But there is a possibility of being justified. That is through faith in the Lord Jesus. Whoever confesses his sins and believes in Him is justified. The Lord Jesus became Man to make that possible. In Him as Man we see God’s pleasure in man.

Psalms 2:2

The Nullity of Man

After Bildad has spoken about the greatness and exaltation of God in the previous verses, he then speaks about the insignificance of man (cf. Psalms 8:3-4). All revelation of God’s greatness and purity should effect man’s awareness of nullity, impurity, and sinfulness (Job 25:4). Bildad says this again with Job in mind.

God is perfect in holiness. How then would a man – read: Job –, born of a mortal, be pure in God’s eye (cf. Job 14:4)? Nothing of creation, not even the moon and the stars that shine so brightly in the night, is pure in God’s sight (cf. Job 4:18; Job 15:15). Job claims to be pure, but that is not true at all, according to Bildad. Everything and everyone is outsmarted by God in His holiness and righteousness.

Opposite the holy and exalted majesty of God, even the bright moon and the stars are not pure, let alone puny man who is no more than a maggot, a worm (Job 25:6). His body is extremely fragile. Like a moth he can be crushed to death (Job 4:19). And equally weak also are his intelligent faculties. No one suffers without having earned it, for every man is a maggot, a worm, compared to God. Eliphaz leaves open the possibility of being restored after conversion (Job 22:23), but Bildad’s question of whether a man can be just with God presupposes a negative answer.

Every man deserves to be punished for his sins. But there is a possibility of being justified. That is through faith in the Lord Jesus. Whoever confesses his sins and believes in Him is justified. The Lord Jesus became Man to make that possible. In Him as Man we see God’s pleasure in man.

Psalms 2:3

The Nullity of Man

After Bildad has spoken about the greatness and exaltation of God in the previous verses, he then speaks about the insignificance of man (cf. Psalms 8:3-4). All revelation of God’s greatness and purity should effect man’s awareness of nullity, impurity, and sinfulness (Job 25:4). Bildad says this again with Job in mind.

God is perfect in holiness. How then would a man – read: Job –, born of a mortal, be pure in God’s eye (cf. Job 14:4)? Nothing of creation, not even the moon and the stars that shine so brightly in the night, is pure in God’s sight (cf. Job 4:18; Job 15:15). Job claims to be pure, but that is not true at all, according to Bildad. Everything and everyone is outsmarted by God in His holiness and righteousness.

Opposite the holy and exalted majesty of God, even the bright moon and the stars are not pure, let alone puny man who is no more than a maggot, a worm (Job 25:6). His body is extremely fragile. Like a moth he can be crushed to death (Job 4:19). And equally weak also are his intelligent faculties. No one suffers without having earned it, for every man is a maggot, a worm, compared to God. Eliphaz leaves open the possibility of being restored after conversion (Job 22:23), but Bildad’s question of whether a man can be just with God presupposes a negative answer.

Every man deserves to be punished for his sins. But there is a possibility of being justified. That is through faith in the Lord Jesus. Whoever confesses his sins and believes in Him is justified. The Lord Jesus became Man to make that possible. In Him as Man we see God’s pleasure in man.

Psalms 2:5

Introduction

After his answer to Bildad (Job 26:1-4) Job describes the greatness of God even more impressively and widely than Bildad (Job 26:5-14).

The Vanity of Bildad’s Words

Job responds to Bildad (Job 26:1). His answer sounds sarcastic. In his speeches he has shown how he searches for justification, but Bildad says in cold blood that this is not possible. Job acknowledges that he is someone who has no power, that he is weak (Job 26:2). But what a great help he has received from Bildad. His arm hung down powerless, but fortunately, Bildad was there to redeem him. Such a friend brings you something. And then the counsel Bildad gave to the poor Job who lacked wisdom (Job 26:3). Bildad has not been frugal with it, but has “abundantly provided” insight. Job says as it were: ‘I know nothing, of course. But what a wonderful light have you shed over my situation. It’s all clear now, you know.’

But to whom did Bildad actually reveal his words (Job 26:4)? Bildad has spoken all his words to a man in deep distress. What he said did not help Job and give him strength and certainly did not relieve his misery, but increased his suffering. Instead of oil and wine they sprinkled salt in his wounds. Bildad’s words have not helped to solve the dark enigma of his present suffering. All the words said to Job by his friends have been misplaced and have proved the bankruptcy of their wisdom.

And what is the origin of Bildad’s words? What spirit prompted them, and went out from him in the words he spoke? It is clear that Bildad is not a messenger of God. The speeches of Bildad and his friends were not inspired by God, but by their own thoughts about God. Bildad’s speech breathes the spirit of Eliphaz (Job 4:17). What the friends said does not correspond in any way to how God really deals with a man who is immersed in suffering. Therefore God’s wrath also kindles against the friends (Job 42:7-9).

Psalms 2:6

Introduction

After his answer to Bildad (Job 26:1-4) Job describes the greatness of God even more impressively and widely than Bildad (Job 26:5-14).

The Vanity of Bildad’s Words

Job responds to Bildad (Job 26:1). His answer sounds sarcastic. In his speeches he has shown how he searches for justification, but Bildad says in cold blood that this is not possible. Job acknowledges that he is someone who has no power, that he is weak (Job 26:2). But what a great help he has received from Bildad. His arm hung down powerless, but fortunately, Bildad was there to redeem him. Such a friend brings you something. And then the counsel Bildad gave to the poor Job who lacked wisdom (Job 26:3). Bildad has not been frugal with it, but has “abundantly provided” insight. Job says as it were: ‘I know nothing, of course. But what a wonderful light have you shed over my situation. It’s all clear now, you know.’

But to whom did Bildad actually reveal his words (Job 26:4)? Bildad has spoken all his words to a man in deep distress. What he said did not help Job and give him strength and certainly did not relieve his misery, but increased his suffering. Instead of oil and wine they sprinkled salt in his wounds. Bildad’s words have not helped to solve the dark enigma of his present suffering. All the words said to Job by his friends have been misplaced and have proved the bankruptcy of their wisdom.

And what is the origin of Bildad’s words? What spirit prompted them, and went out from him in the words he spoke? It is clear that Bildad is not a messenger of God. The speeches of Bildad and his friends were not inspired by God, but by their own thoughts about God. Bildad’s speech breathes the spirit of Eliphaz (Job 4:17). What the friends said does not correspond in any way to how God really deals with a man who is immersed in suffering. Therefore God’s wrath also kindles against the friends (Job 42:7-9).

Psalms 2:7

Introduction

After his answer to Bildad (Job 26:1-4) Job describes the greatness of God even more impressively and widely than Bildad (Job 26:5-14).

The Vanity of Bildad’s Words

Job responds to Bildad (Job 26:1). His answer sounds sarcastic. In his speeches he has shown how he searches for justification, but Bildad says in cold blood that this is not possible. Job acknowledges that he is someone who has no power, that he is weak (Job 26:2). But what a great help he has received from Bildad. His arm hung down powerless, but fortunately, Bildad was there to redeem him. Such a friend brings you something. And then the counsel Bildad gave to the poor Job who lacked wisdom (Job 26:3). Bildad has not been frugal with it, but has “abundantly provided” insight. Job says as it were: ‘I know nothing, of course. But what a wonderful light have you shed over my situation. It’s all clear now, you know.’

But to whom did Bildad actually reveal his words (Job 26:4)? Bildad has spoken all his words to a man in deep distress. What he said did not help Job and give him strength and certainly did not relieve his misery, but increased his suffering. Instead of oil and wine they sprinkled salt in his wounds. Bildad’s words have not helped to solve the dark enigma of his present suffering. All the words said to Job by his friends have been misplaced and have proved the bankruptcy of their wisdom.

And what is the origin of Bildad’s words? What spirit prompted them, and went out from him in the words he spoke? It is clear that Bildad is not a messenger of God. The speeches of Bildad and his friends were not inspired by God, but by their own thoughts about God. Bildad’s speech breathes the spirit of Eliphaz (Job 4:17). What the friends said does not correspond in any way to how God really deals with a man who is immersed in suffering. Therefore God’s wrath also kindles against the friends (Job 42:7-9).

Psalms 2:8

Introduction

After his answer to Bildad (Job 26:1-4) Job describes the greatness of God even more impressively and widely than Bildad (Job 26:5-14).

The Vanity of Bildad’s Words

Job responds to Bildad (Job 26:1). His answer sounds sarcastic. In his speeches he has shown how he searches for justification, but Bildad says in cold blood that this is not possible. Job acknowledges that he is someone who has no power, that he is weak (Job 26:2). But what a great help he has received from Bildad. His arm hung down powerless, but fortunately, Bildad was there to redeem him. Such a friend brings you something. And then the counsel Bildad gave to the poor Job who lacked wisdom (Job 26:3). Bildad has not been frugal with it, but has “abundantly provided” insight. Job says as it were: ‘I know nothing, of course. But what a wonderful light have you shed over my situation. It’s all clear now, you know.’

But to whom did Bildad actually reveal his words (Job 26:4)? Bildad has spoken all his words to a man in deep distress. What he said did not help Job and give him strength and certainly did not relieve his misery, but increased his suffering. Instead of oil and wine they sprinkled salt in his wounds. Bildad’s words have not helped to solve the dark enigma of his present suffering. All the words said to Job by his friends have been misplaced and have proved the bankruptcy of their wisdom.

And what is the origin of Bildad’s words? What spirit prompted them, and went out from him in the words he spoke? It is clear that Bildad is not a messenger of God. The speeches of Bildad and his friends were not inspired by God, but by their own thoughts about God. Bildad’s speech breathes the spirit of Eliphaz (Job 4:17). What the friends said does not correspond in any way to how God really deals with a man who is immersed in suffering. Therefore God’s wrath also kindles against the friends (Job 42:7-9).

Psalms 2:9

God Dominates the Depths

Bildad has spoken about God’s greatness in the heights, Job here speaks about God’s greatness in the depths. It relates to demonic powers, to Sheol, the realm of death, and its inhabitants (Job 26:5). The lost are also under the power of God. We do not see them, they are in Abaddon, the place of destruction, but they are not beyond His sight. He sees them and knows them in full.

In His time they will rise up trembling. Wherever they may be, He will call them forth by His power to judge them (Revelation 20:13). In the kingdom of the dead it is not satan who reigns, but God (Psalms 139:8; Philippians 2:10). Everything is open to God, including the realm of death; nothing is hidden from Him (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11; Hebrews 4:13).

Psalms 2:10

God Dominates the Depths

Bildad has spoken about God’s greatness in the heights, Job here speaks about God’s greatness in the depths. It relates to demonic powers, to Sheol, the realm of death, and its inhabitants (Job 26:5). The lost are also under the power of God. We do not see them, they are in Abaddon, the place of destruction, but they are not beyond His sight. He sees them and knows them in full.

In His time they will rise up trembling. Wherever they may be, He will call them forth by His power to judge them (Revelation 20:13). In the kingdom of the dead it is not satan who reigns, but God (Psalms 139:8; Philippians 2:10). Everything is open to God, including the realm of death; nothing is hidden from Him (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11; Hebrews 4:13).

Psalms 2:11

God Rules Over the Universe

Job continues his description of the greatness of God, now looking north and upward (Job 26:7). He sees the vast expanse of the universe. He looks north – the place from which God reigns (Isaiah 14:13-14) – the northern ceiling of the heavens, which is like a curtain overhanging the expanse. In that vast expanse of emptiness, where nothing can be hanged on, the earth hangs. God has hung the globe “on nothing”.

That the earth “hangs” is an established fact. If Scripture mentions anything about creation, it is God’s truth. Scientific ‘truth’ is different. Scientific language is soon outdated. Scientific conclusions have to be rewritten regularly because new insights destroy the previous ones. The Bible, inspired by God and therefore faultless, is not written in scientific language, but in everyday language and never needs to be changed. Everything God has said remains current for all ages and generations (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Thus God also wraps up the waters together in His clouds (Job 26:8; cf. Proverbs 30:4), without the cloud bursting because of its weight. It is God who gathers the fumes of the earth into thick clouds, as it were the jars of heaven (Job 38:37). It is His way of giving rain on earth wherever He wills (cf. Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 104:3).

Above the clouds is God’s throne, which He makes invisible by spreading His cloud over it (Job 26:9; cf. Psalms 97:2). Of course this is meant to be symbolic, because even without clouds the throne of God is invisible. The throne is the center from which creation is ruled (cf. Job 1:6-12). Man, with all his knowledge and ability, is incapable of discovering Him. He also excludes God in his research on the origin and progress of the universe. He is willfully ignorant (2 Peter 3:5). As a result, he has fallen into the foolishness of evolution theory.

God not only controls the water above the earth’s surface, but also the water on the earth’s surface (Job 26:10). The water above the earth is held by God in clouds. The water on earth is held by God within the limits set by Him (Psalms 104:9; Jeremiah 5:22b).

Also in another sense God has drawn a boundary over the surface of the water. That boundary is the horizon. We become aware of this when we stand on the shore of an ocean. If we look into the distance, we see the horizon. We cannot look any further. There is the boundary between the light sky and the dark sea, the boundary between the water in the cloud sky and the water in the sea.

Also the impressive, massive, unshakable mountains, rising high above the landscape and touching the heaven, are under His authority (Job 26:11). They are poetically called “the pillars of heaven”, as if heaven is resting on them. But when He rebukes them, and we might think of an earthquake, they tremble (Exodus 19:18). Of all that imposing nothing remains. Only His majesty above all else is permanent.

Then there is also His power in the wind with which He whips up the sea (Job 26:12; Psalms 107:25; Isaiah 51:15; Jeremiah 31:35). With the same authority He also restrains the wind and causes “the storm to be still” (Psalms 107:29). What is attributed to God here we see the Lord Jesus doing in the Gospels (Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:39). It is one of the many proofs that the Lord Jesus is God.

God is not only great in His omnipotence and majesty, but also in His clearness (Job 26:13). The Spirit of God gives that clearness in heaven. We see the clearness of the sky, the clouds, the heavenly bodies. David is deeply impressed by it: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained” (Psalms 8:3). God creates, controls and delivers (Isaiah 27:1; Revelation 20:2).

That clearness was lost by “the quick [or: fleeing] serpent”, the devil (Revelation 12:9), when he brought sin into the world. But God is in Christ the Victor over the devil. He will renew the face of the ground (Psalms 104:30) and restore creation to its original beauty. Then the devil will be bound and the corruption of creation will be taken away (Romans 8:21).

Psalms 2:12

God Rules Over the Universe

Job continues his description of the greatness of God, now looking north and upward (Job 26:7). He sees the vast expanse of the universe. He looks north – the place from which God reigns (Isaiah 14:13-14) – the northern ceiling of the heavens, which is like a curtain overhanging the expanse. In that vast expanse of emptiness, where nothing can be hanged on, the earth hangs. God has hung the globe “on nothing”.

That the earth “hangs” is an established fact. If Scripture mentions anything about creation, it is God’s truth. Scientific ‘truth’ is different. Scientific language is soon outdated. Scientific conclusions have to be rewritten regularly because new insights destroy the previous ones. The Bible, inspired by God and therefore faultless, is not written in scientific language, but in everyday language and never needs to be changed. Everything God has said remains current for all ages and generations (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Thus God also wraps up the waters together in His clouds (Job 26:8; cf. Proverbs 30:4), without the cloud bursting because of its weight. It is God who gathers the fumes of the earth into thick clouds, as it were the jars of heaven (Job 38:37). It is His way of giving rain on earth wherever He wills (cf. Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 104:3).

Above the clouds is God’s throne, which He makes invisible by spreading His cloud over it (Job 26:9; cf. Psalms 97:2). Of course this is meant to be symbolic, because even without clouds the throne of God is invisible. The throne is the center from which creation is ruled (cf. Job 1:6-12). Man, with all his knowledge and ability, is incapable of discovering Him. He also excludes God in his research on the origin and progress of the universe. He is willfully ignorant (2 Peter 3:5). As a result, he has fallen into the foolishness of evolution theory.

God not only controls the water above the earth’s surface, but also the water on the earth’s surface (Job 26:10). The water above the earth is held by God in clouds. The water on earth is held by God within the limits set by Him (Psalms 104:9; Jeremiah 5:22b).

Also in another sense God has drawn a boundary over the surface of the water. That boundary is the horizon. We become aware of this when we stand on the shore of an ocean. If we look into the distance, we see the horizon. We cannot look any further. There is the boundary between the light sky and the dark sea, the boundary between the water in the cloud sky and the water in the sea.

Also the impressive, massive, unshakable mountains, rising high above the landscape and touching the heaven, are under His authority (Job 26:11). They are poetically called “the pillars of heaven”, as if heaven is resting on them. But when He rebukes them, and we might think of an earthquake, they tremble (Exodus 19:18). Of all that imposing nothing remains. Only His majesty above all else is permanent.

Then there is also His power in the wind with which He whips up the sea (Job 26:12; Psalms 107:25; Isaiah 51:15; Jeremiah 31:35). With the same authority He also restrains the wind and causes “the storm to be still” (Psalms 107:29). What is attributed to God here we see the Lord Jesus doing in the Gospels (Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:39). It is one of the many proofs that the Lord Jesus is God.

God is not only great in His omnipotence and majesty, but also in His clearness (Job 26:13). The Spirit of God gives that clearness in heaven. We see the clearness of the sky, the clouds, the heavenly bodies. David is deeply impressed by it: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained” (Psalms 8:3). God creates, controls and delivers (Isaiah 27:1; Revelation 20:2).

That clearness was lost by “the quick [or: fleeing] serpent”, the devil (Revelation 12:9), when he brought sin into the world. But God is in Christ the Victor over the devil. He will renew the face of the ground (Psalms 104:30) and restore creation to its original beauty. Then the devil will be bound and the corruption of creation will be taken away (Romans 8:21).