Is Psalm 2 Really About Jesus?

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Often, when Christians read Psalm 2, they find references to a Messiah that seems to align with the figure of Jesus. However, the context in which Psalm 2 is situated within the Bible and its historical and cultural context reveals a different narrative. The expectation for the Messiah described in Psalm 2 is not about Jesus as Christians know Him today. Instead, it reflects a different understanding of Jewish prophetic expectations and the role of a messianic monarchy.

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The Shifting Understanding of Jesus in Christianity

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Traditional Christian doctrine has embraced a version of Jesus that diverges significantly from the expectations set forth in many biblical texts. The Messiah foretold in over 300 different places in the Hebrew Bible and the Gospels differs from the one Christians have come to know and love. The idea of a man, God, and soul combining into one figure as the Trinity, introduced in Christian doctrine, is not found anywhere in the Bible.

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Moreover, the Jesus referred to in Christian theology is markedly different from the deity described in the New Testament. The expected Jewish Messiah, named Joshua in the Bible (who translates to Jesus in English), is more accurately portrayed in the Books of the Hebrew Bible. He is the one prophesied in the Books of Zechariah as the one sent by God to bring about a peaceful reign and rule over God’s people.

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The True Messiah: A Reinterpretation

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The true Messiah, as indicated in the Bible, is Joshua, a Torah teacher from the first century. The name Joshua means "YHVH is salvation," reflecting his divine appointment. Christian interpretation of the Messiah as Jesus overlooks the continuous narrative from Genesis to Zechariah. This misunderstanding creates a misconception about the authentic nature of the Messiah, a figure who was to lead His people into an earthly kingdom of peace, justice, and divine rule.

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According to Christian scholars, they have misread the Bible by acknowledging a false Messiah who is not the one sent by God. A careful reading of the entire Bible, from Genesis to Zechariah, would reveal the true nature of the promised Messiah. Only then can one understand the shift from a peaceful king to a conquering Messiah, as indicated in the prophecies of Israel’s future.

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Prophetic Prophecies and Divine Rule

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Other portions of the Bible, particularly the book of Jude, provide profound insights into the coming of the Messiah and his judgment. Jude 1:14-15, for instance, highlights how the Lord will come to judge the unjust and those who oppose Him.

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In Psalms, the notion of divine rule is central, with God’s sovereignty and rule over His chosen king, David. The rebellion against this anointed king is futile, as the God who holds every life in his hands has already determined the course of events. The psalm emphasizes the importance of submitting to the rule of God.

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Here is a quote from a commentary on Psalm 2: 'Well, what is Psalm 2 about? I think the issue of God’s sovereign rule is unavoidable throughout the psalm. It permeates all of the psalm. God rules. And he does so through his anointed Davidic king. There’s widespread rebellion against this king. But it’s vain to try to get away from the God who holds your very life in his hands. That very God has determined to set his king on his holy hill of Zion and to destroy all opposition. And therefore – submit to that rule.' This quote captures the essence of the psalm, highlighting the need for submission to God’s rule.

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In conclusion, the Messiah foretold in Psalms 2 is not about Jesus as we know Him today but is about the Joshua or Messiah of old. A thorough study of the Scriptures from beginning to end reveals the true nature of the Messiah and the importance of divine rule and submission to God’s sovereign will.