Psalms 1-2 speak of two very different paths people can take. Psalm 1 speaks of the path of the righteous and Psalm 2 speaks of the path of a rebel.

Psalm 1 teaches that in receiving God’s blessing, wrong influences, advice and company must be avoided (v1). Instead there must be a focus on God’s Word (v2). Those who delight in and focus on God’s word will flourish and be fruitful (v3) like a well-cared for tree. Their lives will count and last eternally, but for the wicked it is different, as they will face God’s judgement.

This leads to Psalm 2 and the theme of rebellion against God. People rage, plot and seek to break away from God ruling over their lives (v1-3). This rebellion goes right up to rulers and kings (v2). The thought of men being able to take Almighty God on and win causes God to laugh in scorn (v4). It also causes God great displeasure and to act in wrath (v5). Despite their rebellion Christ is established as king and He reigns (v6-8) with the purpose of causing people to submit to Him as Lord and King (see Ephesians 1:22) Those who refuse to submit face destruction.

The only wise action is to reverently serve and rejoice in Christ (v10-11). The action of ‘kissing the Son’ (v12) was a symbolic act to indicate allegiance and submission. Christianity is not about cold obedience but rather about passionate allegiance to Jesus.