Psalm 2:5
ESV
Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
NIV
He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
NASB
Then He will speak to them in His anger And terrify them in His fury, saying,
CSB
Then he speaks to them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath:
NLT
Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury.
KJV
Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
NKJV
Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure:
What does Psalm 2:5 mean?
"The nations," meaning the cultures and people groups of a fallen world, plot to usurp God from His throne and establish themselves as the sole rulers of earth (Psalm 2:1–3). God has other plans (Psalm 2:4). In His wrath, He will speak to them and terrify them in His fury.These words preview Revelation chapter 20, where we read that the Devil gathers the nations for battle. The armies are so numerous that they resemble the sand of the sea (Revelation 20:8). The militant nations march on "the camp of the saints and the beloved city" (Revelation 20:9). In His wrath and fury, God rains fire from heaven upon the armies and consumes them.
The wrath of God is not a pleasant subject. Naturally, most would rather hear about God's love. However, wrath is as much a part of God's character as is His love. Sin naturally angers God, and His wrath abides on all sinners who refuse to believe on His Son, who paid the penalty for sin and offers forgiveness to all who believe on Him. Scripture states: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:36).
