Palms/Salms/Pslams

The psalms we read could be applied to events of today. Allow me to translate.

Psalm #2:

Why are the nations aroused,

and the peoples murmur vain things?

Kings of the earth take their stand,

and princes conspire together

against the LORD and against His anointed.

"Let us tear off their fetters,

let us fling away their bonds!"

He Who dwells in the heavens will laugh,

and Master derides them.

Then will He speak to them in His wrath,

in His burning anger dismay them:

-

"And I - I appointed My king

on Zion, My holy mountain."

Let me tell as is due of the LORD.

He said to me: "You are My son.

I Myself today did beget you.

Ask of me, and I shall give nations as your estate,

and your holdings, the ends of the earth.

You will smash them with a rod of iron,

like a potter's jar you will smash them"

And now, O you kings, pay mind,

be chastened, you rulers of earth. 

-

Worship the LORD in fear,

and exult in trembling.

With purity be armed,

lest He rage and you be lost on the way.

For His wrath in a moment flares up.

Happy, all who shelter in Him.

(from The Book of Psalms by Robert Alter)

The line "Why are the nations aroused" says in the footnotes that this is in response to a specific historical situation. This could be applied to the current War in Iraq. Wars don't affect just the countries involved, but the rest of the world as well.

"Kings of the earth" could be pictured as a George W. Bush caricature wearing a king get-up with crown, scepter and throne on top of the world. He's the king of the earth that's causing nations to be aroused. 

"His anointed" could be considered the few good, religious persons left in this world, ready to save the day, or save the world. 

In the second part of the psalm, God talks about breaking pottery with an iron rod (perhaps a king's sceptor?). This is a pretty killer visual, this shows the destructive side or wrath of God though people's actions: taking down nations/estates, if you will. 

The "Fire & Brimstone" continues in the third part of Psalm #2, with "worshipping the lord in fear". Religion shouldn't be about controlling people/followers through fear. It's meant to give people comfort and peace of mind. 

"With purity be armed" sounds like a forming of God's army, as said before, ready to save the day or save the world. A call to end the War in Iraq maybe?

In closing, "Happy, all who shelter in Him" shows the brighter side of the psalm. The peace of mind and comfort that religion offers. 

Many old texts or scriptures can be applied to todays times or events. It just takes an open mind. I'm looking forward to reading more in the Book of Psalms.