4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
4 Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he's amused at their presumption;
4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision.
4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.
12 He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.
12 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.
12 He aborts the schemes of conniving crooks, so that none of their plots come to term.
12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans.
12 He frustrates the plans of schemers so the work of their hands will not succeed.
(Read Job 5:6-16)
Eliphaz reminds Job, that no affliction comes by chance, nor is to be placed to second causes. The difference between prosperity and adversity is not so exactly observed, as that between day and night, summer and winter; but it is according to the will and counsel of God. We must not attribute our afflictions to fortune, for they are from God; nor our sins to fate, for they are from ourselves. Man is born in sin, and therefore born to trouble. There is nothing in this world we are born to, and can truly call our own, but sin and trouble. Actual transgressions are sparks that fly out of the furnace of original corruption. Such is the frailty of our bodies, and the vanity of all our enjoyments, that our troubles arise thence as the sparks fly upward; so many are they, and so fast does one follow another. Eliphaz reproves Job for not seeking God, instead of quarrelling with him. Is any afflicted? let him pray. It is heart's ease, a salve for every sore. Eliphaz speaks of rain, which we are apt to look upon as a little thing; but if we consider how it is produced, and what is produced by it, we shall see it to be a great work of power and goodness. Too often the great Author of all our comforts, and the manner in which they are conveyed to us, are not noticed, because they are received as things of course. In the ways of Providence, the experiences of some are encouragements to others, to hope the best in the worst of times; for it is the glory of God to send help to the helpless, and hope to the hopeless. And daring sinners are confounded, and forced to acknowledge the justice of God's proceedings.
13 He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away.
13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.
13 He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies - all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash!
13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.
13 He traps the wise in their own cleverness so their cunning schemes are thwarted.
(Read Job 5:6-16)
Eliphaz reminds Job, that no affliction comes by chance, nor is to be placed to second causes. The difference between prosperity and adversity is not so exactly observed, as that between day and night, summer and winter; but it is according to the will and counsel of God. We must not attribute our afflictions to fortune, for they are from God; nor our sins to fate, for they are from ourselves. Man is born in sin, and therefore born to trouble. There is nothing in this world we are born to, and can truly call our own, but sin and trouble. Actual transgressions are sparks that fly out of the furnace of original corruption. Such is the frailty of our bodies, and the vanity of all our enjoyments, that our troubles arise thence as the sparks fly upward; so many are they, and so fast does one follow another. Eliphaz reproves Job for not seeking God, instead of quarrelling with him. Is any afflicted? let him pray. It is heart's ease, a salve for every sore. Eliphaz speaks of rain, which we are apt to look upon as a little thing; but if we consider how it is produced, and what is produced by it, we shall see it to be a great work of power and goodness. Too often the great Author of all our comforts, and the manner in which they are conveyed to us, are not noticed, because they are received as things of course. In the ways of Providence, the experiences of some are encouragements to others, to hope the best in the worst of times; for it is the glory of God to send help to the helpless, and hope to the hopeless. And daring sinners are confounded, and forced to acknowledge the justice of God's proceedings.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 2:4
Commentary on Psalm 2:1-6
(Read Psalm 2:1-6)
We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. As this world is the kingdom of Satan, unconverted men, of every rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the cause of God. But the rulers of the earth generally have been most active. The truths and precepts of Christianity are against ambitious projects and worldly lusts. We are told what they aim at in this opposition. They would break asunder the bands of conscience, and the cords of God's commandments; they will not receive, but cast them away as far as they can. These enemies can show no good cause for opposing so just and holy a government, which, if received by all, would bring a heaven upon earth. They can hope for no success in so opposing so powerful a kingdom. The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and in earth, and is Head over all things to the church, notwithstanding the restless endeavours of his enemies. Christ's throne is set up in his church, that is, in the hearts of all believers.