Day 149 Psalm 2-4 Supplemental notes

Psalm Chapter 2
The Lord is Creator and Ruler of all that exists. The world, as it is, is going to pass away (see The End Of The World?).

"Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against The Lord and his anointed, saying, "Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens laughs; The Lord has them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, "I have set my king on Zion [see the Fact Finder question below], my holy hill." I will tell of the decree of The Lord: He said to me, "You are my son, today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a Rod Of Iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve The Lord with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way; for His wrath is quickly kindled [see The Coming World Dictator]. Blessed are all who take refuge in him." (Psalm 2:1-12 RSV)

Psalm Chapter 3
Some of the Psalms were written by King David during his times of trouble, either with King Saul (see Israelite Monarchy - The Civil War) or from within David's own family, such as with Absalom.

"A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of me, there is no help for him in God. [Selah] But thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cry aloud to The Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill. [Selah]
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for The Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.
Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For thou dost smite all my enemies on the cheek, thou dost break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to The Lord; thy blessing be upon thy people! [Selah] " (Psalm 3:1-8 RSV)

Psalm Chapter 4
Another Psalm of David. The term "Selah" is found frequently in the Psalms; its meaning is uncertain, but it was obviously a musical notation or conductor's term of a sort.

"To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments [e.g. the Lyre]. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my right! Thou hast given me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer. O men, how long shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? [Selah] But know that The Lord has set apart the godly for himself; The Lord hears when I call to him.
Be angry, but sin not; commune with your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. [Selah]
Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in The Lord. There are many who say, "O that we might see some good! Lift up the light of thy countenance upon us, O Lord!" Thou hast put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for thou alone, O Lord, makest me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:1-8 RSV)