The King who doesn’t break bruised reeds was given a reed as a scepter by men. How fitting!
Psalm 2 is the first of the Royal Psalms. While the 150 psalms form a continuous revelation, we see groupings of psalms that share a common theme or purpose. We’ll study these as we meet them, but here’s a brief overview of the Royal Psalms, 15 in number. They may speak of God as King, of His Son as the One who “went…to receive for himself a kingdom” (Lk 19:12), or of His care for His earthly kings. Psalm 2 describes the King’s coronation, and calls the world to pledge loyalty to Him. Psalm 10 declares, “The Lord is King forever” (v 16), and shows His ultimate triumph over evil. Psalm 18 portrays the king’s victory in battle, declaring, “Great deliverance He gives to His king” (v 50). Psalm 20 gives us David’s prayer, asking for victory in battle, concluding, “‘Save, Lord!’ May the King answer us when we call” (v 9). Psalm 21, linked with 20, shows the answer to his prayer: “The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; and in Your salvation” (v 1). In Psalm 24, Christ is “the King of glory” (v 7). In Psalm 45, the Sons of Korah recite their “composition concerning the King” (v 1), describing the royal Groom, His beautiful bride, and His everlasting kingdom. Psalm 47 calls forth praise, “For God is the King of all the earth” (v 7). In Psalm 72, Solomon delights in the coming Messiah-King, and Psalms 93, 97, and 99 remind us that “the Lord reigns” (v 1), a good thing to remember in troubled times. Psalm 110, so often quoted, links the roles of King and Priest in one glorious Person. Psalm 132 ties David’s reign with his Great Son, and in Psalm 144, David praises “the One who gives salvation to kings” (v 10), preserving the Messianic line until He came. Soon the returning “King is coming to you” (Zech 9:9)! Are you ready?