Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 2:8
Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.
8. Ask of me ] Inheritance is the natural right of sonship. Yet even the son must plead the promise and claim its fulfilment. Dominion over the nations is not expressly mentioned in 2 Samuel 7; but cp. Psa 89:27.
inheritance possession ] Words frequently applied to the gift of Canaan to Israel (Gen 17:8; Deu 4:21; Deu 32:49). Now the world shall be his with equal right. Jehovah is king of the world, and He offers His representative a world-wide dominion. Cp. Psa 72:8; Zec 9:9-10.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Ask of me – That is, of God. This is a part of the decree or purpose, as mentioned in Psa 2:7. That decree embraced not only the design to constitute him as his Son, in the sense that he was to be king in Zion, but also the purpose to give him a dominion embracing the heathen and the uttermost parts of the earth. This wide dominion was to be given him on condition that he would ask for it, thus keeping up the idea that Yahweh, as such, is the great source of authority and empire, and that the Messiah, as such occupies a rank subordinate to him. This relation of the Father and Son is everywhere recognized in the New Testament. As we may be sure that the Messiah will ask for this, it follows that the world will yet be brought under his scepter. It may be added that as this wide dominion is promised to the Messiah only on condition that he asks for it or prays for it, much more is it true that we can hope for this and for no favor from God, unless we seek it by earnest prayer.
And I shall give thee – I will give thee. That is, he would ultimately give him this possession. No time is specified when it would be done, and the prophecy will be fulfilled if it shall be accomplished in any period of the history of the world.
The heathen – The nations (notes, Psa 2:1); that is, the world. In the time of the writer of the psalm, the world would be spoken of as divided into Hebrews and other nations; the people of God and foreigners. The same division is often referred to in the New Testament under the terms Jew and Gentile, as the Greeks divided all the world into Greeks and barbarians. The word would now embrace all the nations which are not under the influence of the true religion.
For thine inheritance – Thy heritage; thy portion as my Son. There is an allusion here to the fact that he had constituted him as his Son, and hence, it was proper to speak of him as the heir of all things. See the notes at Heb 1:4.
And the uttermost parts of the earth – The farthest regions of the world. This promise would properly embrace all the world as then known, as it is now known, as it shall be hereafter known.
For thy possession – That is, as king. This, on the earth, was be to his possession as the Son of Yahweh, constituted as king. It may be remarked here,
(a) that this can have its fulfillment only in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was not true of David nor of any other Hebrew monarch that he had conceded to him, in fact, any such possession. Their dominions extended, at any time, but little beyond the bounds of Palestine, and embraced a very limited part of the earth – but a small territory, even as compared with many then existing kingdoms. The phrase used here could never have been applied to the limited and narrow country of Palestine.
(b) The promise is to be understood as still in full force. It has never been cancelled or recalled, and though its fulfillment has seemed to be long delayed, yet as no time was specified, its spirit and meaning have not been disregarded. Events have shown that it was not intended that it should be speedily accomplished; and events, when no time is specified, should be allowed to be interpreters of the original meaning of the prophecy.
(c) The promise will yet be fulfilled. It is evidently supposed in the promise that the Messiah would ask for this; and it is solemnly affirmed that if he did, this wide inheritance would be granted to him. The world, then, is to be regarded as given by covenant to the Son of God, and in due time he will set up his dominion over the earth, and rule over mankind. The period is coming when the actual scepter swayed over the nations of the earth will be that of the Son of God, and when his right to give laws and to reign will be acknowledged from the rising to the setting sun. This is the only thing in the future that is certainly known to us, and this is enough to make everything in that future bright.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 2:8
Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance.
The Church aroused to the missionary work
I. The Lords intercession, in reference to missionary enterprise. The great object of missionary enterprise is the subject of our Saviours intercession. The object is the diffusion of the knowledge of Christianity throughout the world; that by means of the knowledge of Christianity, accompanied by the influence of the Divine Spirit, mankind of all nations may be converted to the faith and obedience of Christ, and be made wise, and happy, and good through Him. It is but natural to suppose that what was the leading design of our Lord in becoming incarnate, and suffering, and dying should be a subject of His intercessory prayers. Missionary enterprise, in the grand means by which these objects are to be effected, is one of the principal subjects of our Lords intercessions. Secondary means are varied; the primary means is the Divine influence. In proportion to the degree in which this is communicated, missionary enterprise is prosperous; in proportion to the degree in which it is withheld, it languishes. And the communication of Divine influence was a leading object of our Lords atonement, and must be a leading subject of His intercession.
II. The dignity and importance of missionary enterprise. It is a clear proof of the estimation in which our Lord holds missionary enterprise, that it is the subject of constant intercession with His Father. In endeavouring to promote missionary enterprise we are doing something that is very pleasing to our Lord and Saviour. We may be sure that we shall have all the assistance that is necessary in order to perform our duty in reference to this undertaking. And the fact of our Lords intercession gives us the most abundant assurance that this undertaking will ultimately be completely successful. (John Brown, A. M.)
Prayer glorified by Christs example
It became Jesus to ask. Though He was a Son, yet learned He obedience. Many objections are made to prayer. Some of them are specious, but all are founded on ignorance. The best way to meet them is to take our stand on the Scriptures. God did not dispense with prayer, even in the ease of His Son. Therefore, how much more not with us. But how was He to ask? On earth He prayed like us. In heaven He continues His prayer. And here, through His people, He prays. And His prayers and ours rest on His atonement. Therefore He asks in His own name, and we in His. Let us be encouraged to pray. But let our prayers lead us to active endeavour. We cannot labour in vain. (W. Jay.)
The heathen for Christ
Here is a wonderful donation. The giver is Jehovah, the receiver is the worlds Redeemer, and the gift is the heathen world–mighty populations lying outside of the Judaean realm. What an inheritance is this, and it is given to Christ!
I. This vast inheritance is given Him to cultivate.
1. This inheritance is worth cultivation. It is most prolific, its potential value is immense. It will grow the highest wisdom and the noblest virtues. Sages, poets, orators, apostles lie there by millions.
2. The cultivation of this inheritance has been sadly neglected. The fences are destroyed, the surface is crusted and overrun with thorns and thistles and noxious weeds.
3. Christ alone is able to cultivate it. Others have tried, but failed.
Christ gives to the soul of heathendom that which it wants, and that which none other can give–
1. A Deity in which all hearts can unite in supreme love.
2. A creed in which all intellects can repose with unwavering confidence.
3. A law which all consciences can approve without suspicion.
4. An enterprise in which all souls can work without hesitancy or lack of interest.
II. This vast inheritance is given Him to enjoy. It is a possession of immense value. It will be His as the reward of His mediatorial work. When its vast wildernesses will bloom as Edens, He will see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied. What a joy will be His! Think of the joy of the husbandman surveying in autumn his fields bearing the richest crops of golden grain. Think of me joy of the patriot when he beholds the rebellious provinces bowing again in loyalty to the sovereignty of his country. Think of the joy of the philanthropist in seeing his benevolent efforts crowned with success in the removal of diseases that afflict the body or tyrannies that crush the man. (Homilist.)
Christs inheritance
I. Christ is decreed to be the Son of Jehovah. As such He is both Priest and King. Christ toward us, says Gurnall, acts as a King, but toward His Father as a Priest.
II. As the Son He is promised an inheritance. This inheritance includes all the nations of the earth.
III. But though He is a King and has a promised inheritance, yet His government is to be established by the use of means.
1. These means are the means of grace.
2. These are to be offered to every creature on the earth.
3. We live in that epoch of the worlds history when the Church is actively engaged in having all men reconciled to the Son through the preaching of the gospel.
IV. The time will come when His enemies will be subdued.
1. The Church, therefore, should be diligent in the performances of its present duties.
2. The world should heed the offers of grace ere it be too late.
3. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.
4. Let us wait upon God in prayer for the fulfilment of His promise to give the Son the heathen for His inheritance. (L. O. Thompson.)
The uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.—
Final triumph of Christianity
This assured–
I. By the promises of the Bible, which are many, explicit, positive, and world-embracing.
II. By the Divine origin and character of Christianity. Christianity is on trial; if it fails to fulfil its promises, then it will be demonstrated that it is not of God.
III. By the measure of success which it has already achieved. There is nothing comparable with it. It saves the chief of sinners. It transforms savages, demons, into saints. Christianity thus stands committed to the achievement of universal dominion. (J. M. Sherwood, D. D.)
Prayer for missions
I believe I am speaking to the right people when I ask you to pray. Unprayed for, I feel very much as if a diver were sent down to the bottom of a river with no air to breathe, or as if a fireman were sent up to a blazing building and held an empty hose; I feel very much as a soldier who is firing blank cartridge at an enemy, and so I ask you earnestly to pray that the gospel may take saving and working effect on the minds of those men to whose notice it has been introduced by us. (James Gilmour.)
Universal dominion of Christ
The boldest thought ever suggested to the human mind is Christs proposition to convert this world to Himself. For originality of conception, simplicity of method, and certainty of result it has no parallel in the world of thought. Bolder than the dream of the Macedonian to conquer all kingdoms by his sword, than the purpose of the Roman to unify all governments into one, than the hope of Leibnitz to create a universal language for this our babbling race, it stands forth sublime in its isolation, to excite our admiration, inflame our zeal, invite our cooperation, and inspire our faith in the future of mankind. (J. P. Newman.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 8. Ask of me, and I shall give thee] Here a second branch of Christ’s office as Saviour of the world is referred to; viz., his mediatorial office. Having died as an atoning sacrifice, and risen again from the dead, he was now to make intercession for mankind; and in virtue and on account of what he had done and suffered, he was, at his request, to have the nations for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. He was to become supreme Lord in the mediatorial kingdom; in consequence of which he sent his apostles throughout the habitable globe to preach the Gospel to every man.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Ask of me; claim or demand it of me, as thy right by my promise, and thy birth and purchase.
For thine inheritance; to be possessed and enjoyed by thee in a manner of an inheritance, to wit, constantly, surely, and perpetually.
The uttermost parts of the earth; either,
1. The whole land of Canaan, from one end of it to the other, as this phrase is used, Psa 61:2; 72:8; which is but a very narrow sense, and that was but a very small kingdom, and no way agreeable to those magnificent expressions here used. Or rather,
2. The whole world, not only the Jewish nation, but the Gentiles also, as this phrase is almost universally used in the Old Testament, as Psa 19:4; 22:28; 46:10; 65:5; Isa 40:28; 45:22, &c. And so these words declare the great amplitude of the kingdom of the Messiah.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
8. The hopes of the rebels arethus overthrown, and not only so; the kingdom they opposed isdestined to be coextensive with the earth.
heathenor, “nations”(Ps 2:1).
and the uttermost parts ofthe earth (Ps 22:27);denotes universality.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Ask of me,…. Jehovah is either here again introduced speaking, or these words are a continuation of the Son’s account of what his Father said unto him; which do not suppose any superiority in the one, or inferiority in the other; but are only expressive of the Father’s great respect and affection for his Son, as such a way of speaking among men shows, Es 5:3; and of the great interest the Son had in his Father, who could ask nothing but he had it; and shows the perfect harmony, agreement, and unity between them: see 1Ki 3:5; Christ, in the council and covenant of grace and peace, asked many things of his Father, which were granted; he asked for the persons of all the elect to be his bride and spouse, and his heart’s desire was given him, and the request of his lips was not withheld from him: he asked for all the blessings of grace for them; for spiritual life here, and eternal life hereafter; and all were given him, and put into his hands for them, Ps 20:2; and here it is promised him,
and I shall give [thee] the Heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession; by “the Heathen”, and “the uttermost parts of the earth”, are meant God’s elect among the Gentiles, and who live in the distant parts of the world; which are Christ’s other sheep, the Father has given to him as his portion, and whom he has made his care and charge: as if it was not enough that he should be King of Zion, or have the government over his chosen ones among the Jews, he commits into his hands the Gentiles also; see
Isa 49:6; and these are given him as his inheritance and possession, as his portion, to be enjoyed by him; and who esteems them as such, and reckons them a goodly heritage, and a peculiar treasure, his jewels, and the apple of his eye. These words respect the calling of the Gentiles under the Gospel dispensation; and the amplitude of Christ’s kingdom in all the earth, which shall be from sea to sea, and from the rivers to the ends of the earth.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
8. Ask of me. Christ, it is true, besought his Father (Joh 17:5) to “glorify him with the glory which he had with him before the world was;” yet the more obvious meaning is, that the Father will deny nothing to his Son which relates to the extension of his kingdom to the uttermost ends of the earth. But, in this wonderful matter, Christ is introduced as presenting himself before the Father with prayers, in order to illustrate the free liberality of God in conferring upon men the honor of constituting his own Son governor over the whole world. As the eternal Word of God, Christ, it is true, has always had in his hands by right sovereign authority and majesty, and as such can receive no accessions thereto; but still he is exalted in human nature, in which he took upon him the form of a servant. This title, therefore, is not applied to him only as God, but is extended to the whole person of the Mediator; for after Christ had emptied himself there was given to him a name which is above every name, that before him every knee should bow, (Phi 2:9) David, as we know, after having obtained signal victories reigned over a large extent of territory, so that many nations became tributaries to him; but what is here said was not fulfilled in him. If we compare his kingdom with other monarchies it was confined within very narrow boundaries. Unless, therefore, we suppose this prophecy concerning the vast extent of kingdom to have been uttered in vain and falsely, we must apply it to Christ, who alone has subdued the whole world to himself and embraced all lands and nations under his dominion. Accordingly, here, as in many other places, the calling of the Gentiles is foretold, to prevent all from imagining that the Redeemer who was to be sent of God was king of one nation only. And if we now see his kingdom divided, diminished, and broken down, this proceeds from the wickedness of men, which renders them unworthy of being under a reign so happy and so desirable. But although the ingratitude of men hinders the kingdom of Christ from prospering it does not render this prediction of none effect, inasmuch as Christ collects the dispersed remnants of his people from all quarters, and in the midst of this wretched desolation, keeps them joined together by the sacred bond of faiths so that not one corner only, but the whole world is subjected to his authority. Besides, however insolently the ungodly may act, and however they may reject his sovereignty, they cannot, by their rebellion, destroy his authority and power. To this subject also belongs what immediately follows:
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
8. Heathen Mixed people, Gentiles.
Uttermost parts of the earth The total boundary of the world. The kingdom of Christ embraces the whole world, all worlds, all things visible and invisible. Col 1:16-17. The Church is only that part of his kingdom on earth which has publicly submitted to his authority, and has obtained pardon and reconciliation through him. The rest are under him dominion, though in a state of revolt. See on Psa 2:9
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
God’s Offer To His Anointed One.
“Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance,
And the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron,
You will dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Here the widespread nature of the promises is made clear. David is promised that to him and his house will be given the world-wide dominion promised through Abraham. The nations will be blessed through them, and the whole world will come under their control. Kings always described their conquests in terms of blessing under their benevolent rule, and often depicted them as universal, but certainly in mind is something more widespread than a few local small kings. David is given a vision of widespread conquest. But first they will have to be conquered, although Jesus would later point out that it must be by words.
‘Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance.’ Israel’s original inheritance was the promised land (Gen 17:8; Deu 4:21; Deu 32:49), but now the inheritance is to be enlarged for YHWH’s adopted son. He will give to him ‘the nations’ outside Israel. That is then expanded as reaching to ‘the uttermost parts of the earth.’ He is to seek by prayer for the expanding of YHWH’s rule to the whole of the known world. He was not to know that his prayer would be fulfilled in One Who was not a warrior, as all over the world people of all nations would submit at His feet, given to Him by the Father as His inheritance (Joh 6:37; Joh 6:39), as His possession (Tit 2:14; 1Pe 2:9). He asked and He was given His inheritance.
‘You will break them with a rod of iron.’ This may indicate the severity of the treatment. Beaten and broken, not with a wooden stick but with a rod of iron. Or it could equally well be translated, ‘you will rule them with an iron sceptre’. Either way the idea is of stern control, with all who refuse to submit firmly dealt with. Judgment will come on the rebellious, either once they are defeated or in process of that defeat. For we must ever remember that ruling also includes judgment. Those who will not submit will suffer his wrath.
The picture of the potter’s vessel may well have in mind the vessels which come out of the kiln of substandard quality and are irreparable, and are therefore deliberately smashed by the potter (Jer 19:11; Isa 30:14). So what is being demanded is submission, with the alternative of judgment. Both pictures are vivid, depicting the iron control of God where it is needed, and His devastating judgments on those who finally refuse to submit to His will. All men must choose between willing submission, or the rod of iron
The words are later specifically applied as His destiny to the glorified Jesus in Rev 12:5; Rev 19:15, and to the persecuted people of God in Rev 2:27. They too will partake in the judgments of God (Mat 19:28; 1Co 6:2).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Psa 2:8-9. Ask of me, &c. This, as it refers to David, denotes God’s promise to extend his dominion over all the neighbouring states and princes that opposed him, around all the borders of Judaea; and this promise was literally made good. But this extent of dominion is too small to come up to the full meaning of the expressions here made use of, which were more amply fulfilled in his great successor the Messiah, to whom God put all things in subjection in heaven and earth, and who shall finally crush, as with an iron rod, all who will not have him to reign over them. Some writers have supposed, that the ninth verse more immediately alludes to the final destruction of Jerusalem, and the dispersion of the Jews.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Reader, do not overlook the chief scope of this beautiful Psalm, in God’s setting his King upon his holy hill in Zion, namely, that it is to show his Mediatorial Kingdom. As the Son of God, the kingdom is his by right, being one with the Father, over all, God blessed forever, Amen. As such, therefore, Jesus could not be said to be set upon the holy hill, or to receive a kingdom: but, as Mediator, the glorious Head of his Church, this kingdom is given to him as the reward of his sufferings, obedience, and death: and therefore he is represented here, as exercising his priestly office, as well as his kingly; and asking the heathen for his inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for his possession. I hope the Reader will not fail to remark with me, how peculiarly all this belongs to the Lord Jesus, and to him only. Never did God say to David king of Israel, nor to any other potentate of the earth, “Thou art my Son; ” or, ” Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.”
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.
Ver. 8. Ask of me, and I will give thee ] All things are conveyed to Christ by asking; shall we think to have anything without asking? Or, are we not worthily miserable that will not make ourselves happy by asking? Now, through Christ’s passion and intercession, it is but ask and have; open thy mouth, and I will fill it. If at any time we ask and miss, it is for the most part because we ask amiss, Jas 4:2-3 .
The heathen for thine inheritance
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Ask of me. Referring not to this present dispensation of grace, but to coming dispensation of judgment.
I shall give, &c. Quoted in Rev 2:27; Rev 12:5; Rev 19:15.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Psalm 2:8
Psa 2:8
“Ask of me, and I will give thee nations for thine inheritance,
And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.”
These words forever remove the possibility that this prophecy is a reference to King David, except in the limited sense that he was indeed a Biblical type of our Lord. Zec 9:9-10 also indicated the universal reign of Messiah.
Of course, it is not a literal earthly kingship of Jesus Christ over worldly nations that is indicated here. Christ emphatically repudiated that kind of kingship during his earthly ministry; and those who expect him yet to be that kind of king are simply grossly mistaken. Christ’s universal reign on earth is achieved in the truth that all over the world throughout the ages there are devout and faithful souls who love and serve him, who have become members of his “kingdom that cannot be shaken” and who alone shall stand redeemed in that day when God shall settle accounts with the wicked and cast evil out of his universe.
E.M. Zerr:
Psa 2:8. Me refers to God, making a prediction in the form of an invitation to the Son. The heathen refers to the nations of the world who were to embrace the Gospel and become members of the kingdom of Christ.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Ask: Joh 17:4, Joh 17:5
and I: Psa 22:27, Psa 72:8, Dan 7:13
Reciprocal: Gen 22:17 – thy seed Lev 25:44 – General Jos 10:24 – put your feet 2Sa 22:44 – head Psa 9:5 – rebuked Psa 21:2 – General Psa 65:8 – in the Psa 67:4 – govern Psa 82:8 – thou Psa 89:25 – I will Psa 96:10 – the Lord Psa 110:2 – rule Psa 111:6 – that he Son 8:8 – what Isa 2:2 – and all Isa 9:7 – the increase Isa 24:16 – uttermost part Isa 25:11 – he shall bring Isa 40:10 – his arm Isa 49:8 – to cause Isa 53:12 – will I Jer 12:17 – if Eze 19:11 – she had Eze 45:7 – General Dan 2:34 – which Joe 3:12 – for Mic 5:8 – as a lion Zep 2:11 – and men Zec 9:10 – his dominion Zec 14:17 – that Mat 22:44 – till Luk 20:14 – the heir Luk 20:16 – destroy Joh 3:35 – and Joh 11:22 – God will give it thee Act 2:35 – thy foes Rom 4:13 – For the 1Co 15:28 – all things Heb 1:4 – by Rev 2:27 – he shall Rev 7:9 – a great Rev 10:2 – he set Rev 12:10 – the power Rev 17:14 – the Lamb shall
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 2:8. Ask of me Claim or demand it of me as thy right by my promise, and thy birth and purchase; the heathen for thine inheritance To be possessed and enjoyed by thee in the manner of an inheritance, namely, surely and perpetually. Thus Christ was to enter upon the exercise of the intercessorial branch of his priestly office, with a request to the Father that the heathen world, &c., might be given for his inheritance, in return for the labours he had undergone, and the pains he had endured; as also to supply the place of the Jews, who were his original inheritance and possession, but were cast off because of unbelief. Horne.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the {f} uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.
(f) Not only the Jews but the Gentiles also.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The Father invited His son, David, to ask for his inheritance. As the great universal King, God promised to give him all the nations of the earth for his inheritance (cf. Psa 2:1). David personally never ruled the whole world, but David’s Son who would be completely faithful to His heavenly Father will do so someday (i.e., in the Millennium).