Psalms 2:7
“I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
1. Context: Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm that speaks about the coronation of God’s anointed King. It emphasises God’s sovereignty and warns against rebellion and opposition to His appointed ruler. The psalm has both a historical context, possibly related to the coronation of a specific king in Israel, and a prophetic context, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ.
2. Divine Decree: The verse begins with the declaration of a decree. It signifies a divine proclamation or a commandment from God. In this case, it is a proclamation regarding the identity of the King.
3. The LORD’s Declaration: The verse reveals that the LORD, God Himself, is speaking. He declares to the King, “Thou art my Son.” This statement affirms the unique relationship between God and the King. It implies a special, filial bond, indicating that the King is in a unique position as a son of God.
4. Divine Sonship: The phrase “Thou art my Son” conveys more than just a physical or biological relationship. In the context of this psalm, it refers to a special anointing and appointment by God to a kingly position. The King is chosen and set apart by God to fulfill a specific role.
5. Begotten Thee: The verse concludes with the statement, “this day have I begotten thee.” This phrase has been the subject of much interpretation and debate among scholars. Some understand it in terms of the king’s coronation, where the day of enthronement is referred to as the day of begetting. Others see it as a metaphorical expression denoting a unique relationship between God and the King.
6. Messianic Fulfillment: In the New Testament, this verse is quoted and interpreted as a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Acts 13:33 refers to this verse when describing Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation. Hebrews 1:5 also quotes this verse to establish Jesus’ superiority over angels and emphasises His divine sonship.
7. Application: While the primary fulfillment of this verse is seen in Jesus Christ, it also carries relevance for believers today. As followers of Christ, we are adopted into God’s family and become sons and daughters of God through faith (Galatians 3:26). We share in the blessings and privileges of being God’s children.
