7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Continuing in the theme of the conquest of Jesus Christ after His ordination as king, the conclusion of the psalm picks up on the actual behavior and action of the Eternal King.
The anointed of this king occurred at the baptism of Jesus Christ (Matt 3:17) and is repeated in glory at His transfiguration (Matt 17:5). The author of Hebrews sees this as the anointment of our High Priest (Heb 5:5). Jesus Christ reigns as both simultaneously!
This reign is not one of a pacifist. It is an effectual reign that establishes the boundaries of the kingdom over all creation. The promise of the kingdom to Abraham is fulfilled in Christ over the whole world (Gen 17:8; Rom 4:13). Jesus’ reign with a “rod of iron” was seen by John and inaugurated during His life and reign over the church (Rev 2:27; 12:5; 19:15).
Those who rebel against the Lord shall be destroyed. Those who serve Him in proper fear will be delivered (Luke 1:68-75).
