Psalm 2:8

Berean Standard Bible
Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.
 
King James Bible
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
 
NET Bible
Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your personal property.
 
Hebrew Text:

בקש ממני ואתנה גוים נחלתך ואחזתך אפסי ארץ

 
Transliteration:
Bakash mimenni v'etna goyim nachalat'cha v'ahuzatcha af'sei aretz
 
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Study Bible:
 
Ask of Me
This phrase is a divine invitation, emphasizing the relationship between God and His anointed. The Hebrew word for "ask" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which implies a request or petition. In the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, a king would often make requests of a deity for guidance or blessing. Here, God is inviting His anointed to ask, signifying a promise of provision and authority. This reflects the intimate relationship between God and His chosen, encouraging believers to approach God with confidence in prayer.
 
and I will make the nations your inheritance
The term "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) in Hebrew conveys the idea of a possession or heritage passed down. In the biblical context, inheritance often refers to the land promised to the Israelites. Here, it extends beyond physical land to encompass the nations, indicating a messianic prophecy where the anointed one will have dominion over all peoples. This promise underscores the universal reign of Christ, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations.
 
the ends of the earth your possession
"Ends of the earth" (אֶפְסֵי אָרֶץ, efsei aretz) is a phrase that denotes the farthest reaches of the world, emphasizing the extent of the anointed one's dominion. In ancient times, this would have been understood as the known world, but prophetically, it points to a global reign. The word "possession" (אֲחֻזָּה, achuzzah) suggests ownership and control. This phrase assures believers of the ultimate victory and sovereignty of Christ over all creation, inspiring hope and confidence in God's redemptive plan for the world.
 
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Commentary:
 
Divine Promise of Inheritance
The verse portrays God speaking to His Anointed One, promising the nations and the earth as His inheritance. This promise can be seen as a testament to the extent of Christ's dominion and His eventual reign over all creation. It signifies that all nations and peoples will ultimately fall under His rule, highlighting the scope of His kingdom as universal and everlasting.
 
Context of Rebellion and Kingship
Psalm 2 begins with the nations conspiring and the peoples plotting against the Lord and His Anointed. In this context, verse 8 serves as a divine reassurance that despite the rebellion and opposition, God's plan and purpose will prevail. The nations, which rise in defiance, will ultimately be subjected to Christ's authority.
 
The Role of Prayer and Request
The phrase "Ask of me" underscores the importance of petition and intercession. It implies a relational aspect between God and His Anointed, where requests made in accordance with God's will are honored. This can also extend to believers, encouraging them to approach God with their petitions, confident in His willingness to grant what aligns with His purpose.
 
Prophetic Fulfillment
Christians often see the fulfillment of this promise in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). The spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the Church worldwide are seen as the initial steps toward the fulfillment of this divine inheritance.
 
Eschatological Implications
The complete fulfillment of Psalm 2:8 is viewed eschatologically, looking forward to the end times when Christ will return to fully establish His kingdom. The Book of Revelation echoes this promise, depicting Christ as the ruler who will reign over all nations, bringing to fruition the inheritance promised by God.
 
Applications for Believers
For contemporary believers, this verse offers several applications:
 
Assurance of Victory: It provides confidence in the ultimate triumph of God's plan despite current global chaos and opposition.
 
Encouragement to Pray: It inspires believers to persist in prayer, asking God for the advancement of His kingdom.
 
Call to Evangelism: It motivates the mission to share the Gospel, contributing to the fulfillment of the promise of a global inheritance.
 
Hope in Christ’s Return: It anchors hope in the future reign of Christ, encouraging steadfastness and faithfulness in the present.
 
Psalm 2:8, therefore, is a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty, the Messiah’s kingship, and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine purpose across the entire world. It’s a verse brimming with assurance, invitation, and prophetic vision, encompassing both present and future realities for believers.