Psalm 2/Translation/PTS/3

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Step 3: Exegesis (Internalization step 1)

Using the Overview video: Getting the big-picture understanding.

Note: Playing videos is problematic?

If playing or using a video with your team might be problematic, feel free to make use of the Script/Slides for the Overview video (Appendix C). You can download these files and manipulate/translate them as you find helpful.


Use the Overview video and handouts (Appendices C–E) to examine structure, tone, speech acts, and context.

Note: Printing handouts would be problematic?

If giving a handout would be problematic, consider projecting the images on a wall/screen for all to see, and/or simply do an oral walkthrough of the content with your team.

Introduction and Sections

Watch Video Section


  1. Watch this first chapter of the Overview video.
    1. Give Sections with Emotions handout (Appendix D) and discuss.

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    2. Suggested question for the team: How does your language’s poetry and/or music show shifts in tone or emotion between sections? How might you use those in this psalm?
  2. Watch the second and fourth chapters of the Overview video: Suzerain and vassal kings, and Cast images and representatives.
    1. Give Background/Context handout (Appendix E) and discuss.
    2. Suggested question for the team: Do any of these concepts sound familiar to anything that exists in your context?
      1. If yes, how might those concepts be appropriate or useful in translating this psalm?
      2. If no, as we go through translating the psalm, keep in mind these concepts that may be unfamiliar to your audience, and seek solutions via translation or performance that can help to clarify these ideas.

Follow along with script & slides

Facilitator Script

“The one enthroned in the heavens laughs. The Lord mocks them!” "But I have poured out my king on Zion, my holy mountain." YHWH said to me, "You are my son. I hereby father you today. Ask me, and I will make nations your inheritance and the ends of the earth your property.

Psalm 2 is about God’s plan to crush rebellion on the earth. He has appointed his chosen king, whom he has placed on Zion, and that king will rule over all the earth.

A helpful way to remember Psalm 2 is part of God’s decree, where he speaks of “my king on Zion.” The authority this king holds is granted by God in heaven, extends to the king’s throne on Mt Zion, and then extends even further to the whole earth. We have tried to show this flow of power with the arrows in the icon.


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This psalm is like a miniature drama about the rebellious kings on earth, the king in heaven, God, and God's chosen king, who rules on Zion, the place the Hebrews believe where heaven meets earth.

Psalm 2 has four sections, each focusing on one of these kings. Each of these kings also has a speech in Psalm 2, which helps structure the psalm as a whole.

First, the earthly kings announce their rebellion against God and his chosen anointed one. The psalmist reports what they announce with contempt and speaks scornfully about their decision to rebel. The heavenly king, God, also responds with contempt for their rebellion. The psalmist expresses awe for God’s response because God completely dismisses the rebellious kings’ complaint about God’s rule. Then, God's anointed king tells everyone what God decrees. The king speaks with confidence that God’s announcement will stop any rebellion. In the final section, the psalmist gives the rebels an ultimatum, a final warning that if they do not stop rebelling, God will destroy them. Once again, the psalmist’s words show contempt for any king on earth who dares to rebel against God.


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Background/context: Suzerain & vassal kings

Watch Video Section
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Speech acts

Watch Video Section
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Section walkthrough: Rebellion

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Section walkthrough: Response (vv. 4-6)

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Section walkthrough: Decree (vv. 7-9)

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Section walkthrough: Ultimatum (vv. 10-12)

Watch Video Section
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Summary & read-through

Watch Video Section
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Speech Act Practice

Practice the tone and emotion for:

  • Mocking a foolish rebellion
  • Contempt from a teacher toward unruly students
  • A solemn proclamation from a leader
  • Commands from a parent explaining loving discipline

Note helpful words/phrases in the target language.