Psalm 2/Exegetical Issues/List

• The Meaning of נָסַכְתִּי in Psalm2:6

This exegetical issue will focus on the meaning of the word נָסַכְתִּי (a qal 1cs qatal verb from the root נסך). It will discuss the following options for interpreting the term:

1. God establishes his king upon Mount Zion.
2. God anoints his king, thereby ordaining him.
3. God makes one king with a drink offering (libation).
4. God pours out/casts his king (as a statue/image) on Zion.

• The Meaning of גִילוּ בִּרְעָדָה in Psalm2:11

The second line of Ps 2:11 (גִילוּ בִּרְעָדָה) is difficult, since the verb גִּיל usually means "rejoice," which is a joyful act, whereas רְעָדָה ("trembling") is usually associated with fear or terror (e.g., Exod 15:15; Job 4:14; Ps 48:6; 55:5).[3] To "rejoice" in "terror" thus creates an apparent contradiction in terms.

• The Text and Meaning of Psalm2:12a

This portion of the text, particularly the phrase נַשְּׁקוּ בַר in v. 12, is the crux interpretum of Ps 2." Translations, both ancient and modern, differ significantly from one another at this point, and many include footnotes indicating that the Hebrew text is uncertain.