1. “The Victorious Messiah” & “A Morning Prayer for Protection” Lesson 3: Psalms 2 & 3

2. The Structure of Psalm 2 Divided into Four Sections or Strophes each with a different voice: 1.The plotting of the nations and their leaders to break free from the authority of the Lord (2:1-3) 2.The response of the Lord in heaven (2:3-6) He laughs at their vain rebellion. He declares that He has set His King! 3.The Anointed speaks and declares the Lord’s decree that, as the Son, He will rule with a rod of iron over the all the earth. (2:7-9; Matthew 28:18- 20; Ephesians 1:20-22; Revelation 1:5; 2:26-27) 4.Wise rulers should fear the Lord and love His Son if they wish to avoid His wrath (2:10-12)

3. Significance of Psalm 2 for the Church The Ultimate Victory of the Messiah This Psalm is quoted in Acts 4:24-31. –It is used by the church in connection with a prayer for strength in the face of persecution. –David is identified as the author of this Psalm –Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles and the Jews are identified as those who gathered against the Lord and His Anointed (Messiah, Christ). –The church prayed that in view of the threats of the Lord’s enemies, that God would grant that they might speak the word “with all boldness” (Acts 4:29-31).

4. Messianic Application of Psalm 2 in the New Testament Christ was Declared to be God’s Son & King by His Resurrection –God’s Son: “God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: You Are My Son, Today I Have Begotten You.” (Acts 13:33) –King: “and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” (Romans 1:4; cf. Acts 2:30-31)

5. A Morning Prayer for God’s Protection Psalm 3

6. Historical Background of Psalm 3 “A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom” Absalom “stole the hearts of Israel” and it was proclaimed that “Absalom reigns in Hebron” (2 Samuel 15:1-12) Anticipating Absalom’s attempted coup and return to Jerusalem, David flees (2 Samuel 15:13-37) David is cursed by Shemei (2 Samuel 16:1-14) Ahithophel’s advice is defeated by the Lord (2 Samuel 16:15—17:14) Absalom and 20,000 Israelites are slain by David’s forces (2 Samuel 18:6-13)

7. Outline of Psalm 3 David’s Complaint (3:1-2) –Many trouble him –Many rise against him –Many say there is no help from God for him. David’s Comfort (3:3-6) –What God is to him –What God has done for him David’s Cry (3:7-8) –For deliverance by God –Of praise to God