Bible Strands
Psalms 2:10
Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses earthly kings and judges immediately after declaring that the anointed ruler will shatter them like pottery (Psalms 2:9).
The words — The Hebrew imperative הַשְׂכִּילוּ (has.ki.lu) means "act prudently," paired with the passive הִוָּסְרוּ (hi.va.se.ru), "let yourselves be instructed," directed at the rulers of the earth.
The thread — This appeal to leadership wisdom parallels Hosea 14:9, which urges the discerning to understand "these things," while the submission of nations to divine authority recurs in Isaiah 60:10 and Psalms 45:12.
Why it lands — The text commands political authorities to abandon defiance and accept divine instruction before facing the judgment described in the preceding line.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Cross-references
- Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
- Isaiah 60:10 Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy.
- Psalms 45:12 The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; men of wealth will seek your favor.
- Psalms 72:10 May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.
- Psalms 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph. God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods:
- Isaiah 52:15 so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.
- Isaiah 60:3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
- Isaiah 49:23 Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”
- Jeremiah 6:8 Be forewarned, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you; I will make you a desolation, a land without inhabitant.”