Psalms 2:10
Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭עַתָּה
H6258
הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ
Be wise
H7919
הַשְׂכִּ֑ילוּ
Be wise
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
3 of 6
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ
be instructed
H3256
הִ֝וָּסְר֗וּ
be instructed
Strong's:
H3256
Word #:
4 of 6
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
Cross References
Hosea 14:9Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.Isaiah 60:3And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.Psalms 45:12And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.Isaiah 52:15So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.Isaiah 49:23And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.Jeremiah 6:8Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited.
Historical Context
In David's time, this served as both warning and invitation to neighboring kings to submit to Israel's God. The prophets later expanded this theme, calling all nations to acknowledge Yahweh. Paul echoes this in Romans 2:4, noting that God's kindness is meant to lead to repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you demonstrate that you value God's wisdom above worldly sophistication?
- Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear the gospel warning and invitation?
Analysis & Commentary
After depicting inevitable judgment, the psalmist issues a gracious warning to rulers: there is still time to repent and submit. The Hebrew 'sakal' (be wise) implies not mere intellectual knowledge but practical application of truth. 'Be instructed' (yasar) carries the sense of receiving discipline or correction. This verse demonstrates God's redemptive heart even toward His enemies - judgment is always His strange work (Isaiah 28:21), preceded by calls to repentance. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).