Psalms 2:5

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 2:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:
Psalms 2:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, etc.] Or, “and he shall speak to them”; so Noldius: that is, the Lord that sits in the heavens, and laughs, and has the Heathen, the people, the kings and rulers in derision, shall not only silently despise their furious and concerted opposition to him and his Messiah, but shall at last speak out unto them, not in his word, but in his providences; and not in love, as to his own people, when he chastises them, but in great wrath, inflicting severe and just punishment. It seems to refer to the destruction of Jerusalem, after the crucifixion, sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ; and after the pouring out of the Spirit, and when…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then shall he speak--His righteous indignation as well as contempt is roused. For God to speak is for Him to act, for what He resolves He will do (Gen 1:3; Psa 33:9). vex them--agitate or terrify them (Psa 83:15).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then shall he speak unto them - That is, this seeming indifference and unconcern will not last forever. He will not always look calmly on, nor will he suffer them to accomplish their purposes without interposing. When he has shown how he regards their schemes - how impotent they are, how much they are really the objects of derision, considered as an attempt to cast off his authority - he will interpose and declare his own purposes - his determination to establish his king on the hill of Zion. This is implied in the word “then.” In his wrath - In anger. His contempt for their plans will be followed by indignation against themselves for forming such plans, and for their efforts to execute…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Then: Psa 50:16-22; Isa 11:4, Isa 66:6; Mat 22:7, Mat 23:33-36; Luk 19:27, Luk 19:43, Luk 19:44; Rev 1:16, Rev 19:15 vex: or, trouble sore: Psa 110:5, Psa 110:6; Zac 1:15 Psalms 2:6”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification