Psalms 2:5
Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֤ז
H227
יְדַבֵּ֣ר
Then shall he speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֣ר
Then shall he speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 6
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְאַפּ֑וֹ
unto them in his wrath
H639
בְאַפּ֑וֹ
unto them in his wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Cross References
Isaiah 11:4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.Revelation 19:15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.Psalms 21:9Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.Luke 19:27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.Isaiah 66:6A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.Zechariah 1:15And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.
Historical Context
This verse reflects ancient Near Eastern treaty language where suzerains would warn vassal nations of consequences for rebellion. In Israel's context, it assured God's people that their enemies would face divine judgment. The early church saw this fulfilled when Jerusalem fell in 70 AD and continues to await final eschatological fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the reality of God's wrath against sin deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice?
- Do you take God's patience as an opportunity for repentance or as permission to continue in sin?
Analysis & Commentary
Divine wrath follows divine laughter - God's patience has limits. The Hebrew 'aph' (wrath) and 'charon' (sore displeasure) are strong covenant terms, indicating not arbitrary anger but righteous judicial response to covenant violation. God's speaking 'in his wrath' reminds us that judgment is not merely punitive but declarative - God pronounces what is already true about rebellious hearts. This verse should drive sinners to Christ, our only refuge from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).