Psalm 2: Sing of Jesus

This arrangement is the first verbatim rendition I have composed, intending to bring scripture into our hearts and minds with a fresh focus as we listen to the words and the music. The text is from the NIV and is used with permission from Zondervan and the International Bible Society.

Arranging it, helped unfold Psalm 2’s clear meaning to me. What a tremendous picture of God’s plan and a wonderful Psalm to commemorate the entrance of the Messiah into realm of man. Perfect for a Christmas Concert!

Click below for the sheet music. Feel free to copy it and share it with others. The arrangement is not written to be a congregational song - rather, it is simply a channel to listen to God's word in a manner similar to how it was intended originally. I think of it as "expository singing."

 Click here for... Psalm 2 Score

Click below for a midi file of the arrangement. The midi file is a sterile digital performance done to show the notes for this vocal piece. The piano you here is NOT part of the composition! It also plays at a slower tempo for practicing purposes.

It is so new, I have not had the chance to record a performance of it voices. Psalm 2 midi note sample

PART 1 (vs 1-3) – The Nation’s Plot to Overthrow God’s Sovereign Rule

The Psalm begins with the words echoed in the New Testament by the church in Acts 4:25 as they prayed for boldness. The Psalmist questions why the world takes their stand against the Lord’s Anointed One – The Messiah. The nations’ kings plot together to overthrow the Lord’s sovereign dominion and break free from God’s rule. See Psalm 149 for a parallel passage.

This messianic utterance was fullfilled even from the time of Christ's birth when Herod's plot to kill Jesus began. (Read Matthew 2:3ff, 16)

1Why do the nations conspire

and the peoples plot in vain?

2The kings of the earth take their stand

and the rulers gather together against the LORD

and against his Anointed One.

3"Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."

PART 2 (vs 4-6) – The Lord’s Holy Response and His True King

God laughs at the trivial, vain plotting of the earth’s kings to the point of rebuking them. His eternal plan will not be thwarted. “When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law.” (Galatians 4:4) His plan is so holy, men invoke his wrath by their disregard and indifference.

4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

5Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

6"I have installed my Kingon Zion, my holy hill."

PART 3 (vs 7-9) – The True King Proclaims his Father’s Decree

God’s Son, the true king, shares the message he received when ordained by the Lord. He will rule the nations with a mighty scepter. All nations will be his possession.

7I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father.

8Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

9You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

PART 4 (vs 10-12) – The Nations’ Kings Warned to Honor the Son

In light of God’s truth, the nations are urged to wisely bow to God’s will. Someday, every knee will bow and confess “that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11)

10Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.

11Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.

12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

See Also Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5, 5:5, Revelation 2:27, 12:5, 19:15

What is happening musically?

There are basically 3 motiffs I used to compose this Psalm.

Motiff 1

Motiff 2

Motiff 3

I wrote the Psalm in a form called A B A B. This means the “A” sections will be very similar, as will the “B” sections.

“A” Section

The “A” section starts simply with Motiff 1. It is sung by a solo voice, perhaps “the Son” the first time; Definitely the Son, the second time.

Then Motiff 2 is used in “A” as the Psalm continues with thoughts from the choir.

Each section in both “A” and “B” ends with Motiff 3, a simple closing melody with sweet tertian open harmony of 6ths.

“B” Section

The “B” sections start with a choir singing variations of Motiff 1. It ends with Motiff 3 each time.

Enjoy! I hope it will be a blessing to you as God intends. It is his word, the Messiah is his Son and we are all his servants.

In Him, the Son,

Jerry Maday

Worcester, Massachusetts

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