Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 26:2 (Fall 2022)
Article: The Messianic Intercessor: A Biblical Theology Of Psalm 2
Author: Donald C. McIntyre

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The Messianic Intercessor: A Biblical Theology Of Psalm 2

Donald McIntyre1

Abstract: This paper will seek to perform a Biblical Theological analysis of Psalm 2 through employing a rigid methodology. Through a structured analysis the mediatorial role of the Israelite king will become apparent showing the intercessory role of the Israelite king as a conduit of the Abrahamic blessing. This psalm will also show, through an intertextual analysis, that suffering of the righteous King, serves a mediatorial role and is only temporary until the valiant return of the king to inflict judgement upon the nations should they not repent. As such, it will encourage the church to pray for wicked governments repentance, knowing the God answers prayers of His people, and to persevere in hope knowing that God’s plan cannot be thwarted.

Keywords: Kingship Psalms, Psalm 2, Biblical Theology, Psalter, Messiah.

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Introduction

Biblical theology is a disputed discipline in disarray where practitioners do whatever is right in their own eyes.2 This dilemma has significantly affected the field of OT theology. While this could be a deterrent to Biblical theological inquiries, the Old Testament asserts God’s revelation and therefore the Old Testament is a legitimate field for theological inquiry.3 The goal of

JMAT 26:2 (Fall 2022) p. 79

this inquiry is to determine the theological message of Psalm 2 throughout the biblical corpus. This will be accomplished through the employment of a stringent methodology composed of exegetical and subsequent concentric theological analyses beginning with the Psalm in its original context and then progressing to its theological contribution to the understanding of the Psalter, and lastly the whole Bible. Finally, after a whole Biblical theological analysis, an application for the contemporary church audience will be provided.

Methodology And Definitions

Ken Gardoski describes three basic steps to doing theology: exegesis, biblical theology, and systematic theology. Biblical theology makes attempts at “Placing the Biblical Data in their Historical Context,” which is entirely derivative of, and logically preceded by, sound exegetical work.4 The exegetical method practiced below will employ a “consistently literal hermeneutic” seeking to interpret the data in a way that ...