2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
2 Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers:
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one.
37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews."
37 Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
37 And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
37 A sign was fastened above Jesus' head, announcing the charge against him. It read: "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews."
(Read Matthew 27:35-44)
It was usual to put shame upon malefactors, by a writing to notify the crime for which they suffered. So they set up one over Christ's head. This they designed for his reproach, but God so overruled it, that even his accusation was to his honour. There were crucified with him at the same time, two robbers. He was, at his death, numbered among the transgressors, that we, at our death, might be numbered among the saints. The taunts and jeers he received are here recorded. The enemies of Christ labour to make others believe that of religion and of the people of God, which they themselves know to be false. The chief priests and scribes, and the elders, upbraid Jesus with being the King of Israel. Many people could like the King of Israel well enough, if he would but come down from the cross; if they could but have his kingdom without the tribulation through which they must enter into it. But if no cross, then no Christ, no crown. Those that would reign with him, must be willing to suffer with him. Thus our Lord Jesus, having undertaken to satisfy the justice of God, did it, by submitting to the punishment of the worst of men. And in every minute particular recorded about the sufferings of Christ, we find some prediction in the Prophets or the Psalms fulfilled.
42 "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
42 "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
42 "He saved others - he can't save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We'll all become believers then!
42 "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.
42 "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him!
(Read Matthew 27:35-44)
It was usual to put shame upon malefactors, by a writing to notify the crime for which they suffered. So they set up one over Christ's head. This they designed for his reproach, but God so overruled it, that even his accusation was to his honour. There were crucified with him at the same time, two robbers. He was, at his death, numbered among the transgressors, that we, at our death, might be numbered among the saints. The taunts and jeers he received are here recorded. The enemies of Christ labour to make others believe that of religion and of the people of God, which they themselves know to be false. The chief priests and scribes, and the elders, upbraid Jesus with being the King of Israel. Many people could like the King of Israel well enough, if he would but come down from the cross; if they could but have his kingdom without the tribulation through which they must enter into it. But if no cross, then no Christ, no crown. Those that would reign with him, must be willing to suffer with him. Thus our Lord Jesus, having undertaken to satisfy the justice of God, did it, by submitting to the punishment of the worst of men. And in every minute particular recorded about the sufferings of Christ, we find some prediction in the Prophets or the Psalms fulfilled.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 2:2
Commentary on Psalm 2:1-6
(Read Psalm 2:1-6)
We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. As this world is the kingdom of Satan, unconverted men, of every rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the cause of God. But the rulers of the earth generally have been most active. The truths and precepts of Christianity are against ambitious projects and worldly lusts. We are told what they aim at in this opposition. They would break asunder the bands of conscience, and the cords of God's commandments; they will not receive, but cast them away as far as they can. These enemies can show no good cause for opposing so just and holy a government, which, if received by all, would bring a heaven upon earth. They can hope for no success in so opposing so powerful a kingdom. The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and in earth, and is Head over all things to the church, notwithstanding the restless endeavours of his enemies. Christ's throne is set up in his church, that is, in the hearts of all believers.