Psalm 2

The second Psalm gives us a good illustration of how Watts sees Jesus in the Old Testament. He takes the words as prophecy, then interprets them through the lens of the cross. He gives us three versions of the same psalm in short, common and long meters. I particularly appreciate the imagery of a rebellious people in the second verse of the long meter.

"Come, let us break his bands, they say,

"This man shall never give us laws;"

and thus they cast his yoke away,

and nail'd the Monarch to the cross.

But the common meter is easier to read. It reminds us both of God's mercy, in sending His Son, and of His wrath, which we should be anxious to avoid. The last two lines are particularly apt.

Those are secure, and those alone,

Who on His grace rely.

I like brief phrases like this. I find it helpful to squirrel them away for when they are needed. You might write them on a slip of paper (be sure to add where they come from or it will drive you crazy trying to remember). Put them in a book or your Bible; when you rediscover them they will be a source of blessing to you. You might also keep phrases that strike you in your journal, or write them on cards to give to friends.

Why did the nations join to slay

The Lord's anointed Son?

Why did they cast His laws away,

And tread His gospel down?

The Lord, who sits above the skies,

Derides their rage below,

He speaks with vengeance in His eyes,

And strikes their spirits through.

"I call Him my eternal Son,

"And raise Him from the dead;

"I make my holy hill His throne,

"And wide His kingdom spread.

"Ask me, my Son, and then enjoy

"The utmost heathen lands:

"Thy rod of iron shall destroy

"The rebel who withstands."

Be wise, ye rulers of the earth,

Obey th' anointed Lord,

Adore the King of heavenly birth,

And tremble at His word.

With humble love address His throne;

For, if He frown, ye die:

Those are secure, and those alone,

Who on His grace rely.