Psalm 2:3

Berean Standard Bible
“Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”
 
King James Bible
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
 
NET Bible
They say, "Let's tear off the shackles they've put on us! Let's free ourselves from their ropes!"
 
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Study Bible:
 
Let us break
This phrase suggests a deliberate and rebellious action against established authority. In the Hebrew, the word "break" (נְנַתְּקָה, "nenatteqah") implies a violent tearing or snapping. Historically, this reflects the rebellious nature of nations and peoples who resist divine authority. The imagery of breaking suggests a desire for autonomy and freedom from perceived constraints, echoing humanity's age-old struggle against divine order.
 
Their chains
The term "chains" (מוֹסְרוֹתֵימוֹ, "moseroteimo") can be understood as bonds or restraints. In the ancient Near Eastern context, chains symbolize subjugation and control. Spiritually, these chains represent the moral and ethical boundaries set by God. The rebellious nations view these divine laws as restrictive, failing to see them as protective measures designed for their well-being.
 
and cast away
The phrase "cast away" (נַשְׁלִיכָה, "nashlikhah") conveys a sense of discarding or throwing off something deemed burdensome. This action is not passive but an active rejection of authority. It reflects a heart attitude that desires to live without accountability to God, seeking to remove any influence that divine commands might have over their lives.
 
Their cords
The word "cords" (עֲבֹתֵימוֹ, "avoteimo") is often associated with ropes or ties that bind. In a spiritual sense, these cords can be seen as the ties of covenant and relationship with God. The rebellious nations wish to sever these ties, misunderstanding them as limitations rather than connections to the divine source of life and blessing. Historically, this reflects the frequent rebellion of nations against God's chosen leaders and His anointed ones.
 
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Historical Context:
 
In the context of the entire Psalm 2, this verse is part of a speech by the kings and rulers of the earth. They are conspiring against the Lord and His Anointed (Messiah in Hebrew, Christ in Greek), expressing their desire to resist divine authority. This reflects the ongoing tension between human rulers who seek autonomy and the sovereignty of God.
 
Prophetic and Messianic Interpretation:
 
Many Christian interpretations see this verse as prophetic, speaking to the resistance against Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Messiah. The "chains" and "shackles" can be seen symbolically as the moral and spiritual laws or the governance of God, which some human leaders wish to reject or overthrow.
 
Theological Implications:
 
Theologically, this verse underscores themes of rebellion against divine order, the futility of such rebellion, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. It speaks to the human condition of desiring freedom from perceived oppression, even when that oppression might be beneficial or just.
 
The verse also illustrates the contrast between human autonomy and divine authority, suggesting that any form of human governance or self-rule that seeks to usurp or ignore God's rule is inherently flawed.
 
Literary Style:
 
Psalm 2 uses poetic language to convey its message. The imagery of breaking chains and throwing off shackles is powerful, evoking a sense of rebellion but also highlighting the dramatic nature of the conflict between divine and human will.
 
Modern Application:
 
This verse might be used in sermons or theological discussions to discuss themes like:
 
The nature of true freedom versus license.
 
The dangers of rejecting divine guidance in favor of human desires or societal norms.
 
The eventual futility of human plans that are set against God's will.
 
In summary, Psalm 2:3 captures a moment of defiance against divine governance, which serves as a warning or prophecy about the outcomes of such actions, particularly in Christian theology where it's often linked to the narrative of Christ's victory over all earthly powers.
 
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John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible:
 
Let us break their bands asunder,.... These are not the words of the apostles, nor of the saints in Gospel times, encouraging one another, notwithstanding the rage and opposition of Jews and Gentiles against their Master and his interest, to break asunder the bands of wickedness, the idolatrous customs and practices of the Heathens, and to throw off the insupportable yoke of bondage, of Jewish traditions and ceremonies, see Isa_58:6; but of the Heathen, the people, and kings of the earth, and rulers who, with one voice, say this and what follows,
 
and cast away their cords from us; with relation to the Lord and his Anointed, whose laws, ordinances, and truths, they call "bands" and "cords"; so Arama interprets them of the law, and the commandments; or a "yoke", as the Vulgate Latin, Septuagint, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions render the last word; and the phrases in general express their irreverence of God and the Messiah, their rejection Christ and his religion; their non-subjection to him, and their refusal to have him to rule over them; and their disesteem and contempt of his Gospel, and of the ordinances of it, and of the laws and rules of his government in his churches: and also they show the wrong notion that carnal men have of these things that whereas Christ's yoke is easy, and his burden light, Mat_11:30; his Gospel and the truths of it make men free from the slavery of sin and Satan, and from a spirit of bondage, Rom_8:15; and true Gospel liberty consists in an observance of his commands and ordinances; yet they look upon these things as bands and cords, as fetters and shackles, as so many restraints upon their liberty, which are not to be bore: when, on the other hand, they promise themselves liberty in a disengagement from them, and in the enjoyment of their own lusts and sinful pleasures; whereas thereby they are brought into bondage, and become the servants of corruption. Some render it "cast away from him" (c); either from Christ, or everyone from himself.
 
(c) ממנו "a nobis, sive ab illo", Nebiensis.
 
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Cross References:
 
Revelation 17:14
They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
 
Romans 8:7
because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.