Psalms 2:12
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient vassals kissed their overlords' hand, ring, or feet as covenant gestures signifying submission. Refusal to perform this ritual constituted rebellion, justifying military response. The psalm's warning thus employed contemporary political metaphors: acknowledge the true King or face consequences. For ancient Israel, this meant neighboring nations should recognize Davidic authority rather than rebel during coronations.
Prophetically, this verse calls all humanity to submit to Christ before judgment. Jesus warned, 'The Father... hath committed all judgment unto the Son' (John 5:22). Revelation depicts Christ's return bringing both blessing for believers and wrath for rejecters (Revelation 6:16-17, 19:15). Early Christians proclaimed this message: 'Kiss the Son' became an evangelistic appeal to embrace Christ before the day of wrath. Augustine, Luther, and Calvin all emphasized this verse's evangelistic urgency—the Son extends gracious invitation, but persistent rejection culminates in judgment. The 'little' kindling of wrath should terrify: if minimal anger destroys, what of full fury?
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'kiss the Son' in contemporary Christian discipleship—what attitudes and actions constitute this submission?
- How do we balance proclaiming God's love with warning about divine wrath, as this verse does?
- What is the relationship between taking refuge in Christ and experiencing true blessedness/happiness?
- Why does Scripture describe even minimal divine wrath as devastating, and what does this reveal about God's holiness?
- How can believers extend the invitation to 'kiss the Son' to unbelievers with both urgency and grace?
Analysis & Commentary
This climactic verse issues an urgent summons blending tenderness and warning. 'Kiss the Son' employs the Hebrew bar (son), an Aramaic term rather than the expected Hebrew ben, possibly emphasizing royal sonship or providing poetic variation. The kiss signifies submission, homage, and covenant loyalty—a vassal's acknowledgment of legitimate authority (1 Samuel 10:1). This is not mere respect but absolute allegiance.
The warning 'lest he be angry' introduces consequence: divine wrath against persistent rebellion. The phrase 'ye perish from the way' suggests losing one's path or life's journey—destruction resulting from refusing submission. The qualifying clause 'when his wrath is kindled but a little' is sobering: even minimal divine anger is catastrophic. The contrast between 'kiss the Son' (tender submission) and kindled wrath (terrifying judgment) creates urgent choice.
The benediction 'Blessed are all they that put their trust in him' offers gracious alternative. 'Blessed' (ashre) means supremely happy, deeply fulfilled—echoing Psalm 1's opening. 'Trust' (chasah) means taking refuge, seeking shelter—like fleeing to a strong city. This concluding beatitude balances warning with invitation: rebellion brings destruction, but refuge in the Son brings blessing. Jesus extended this invitation: 'Come unto me... and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28).