Psalms 2:12
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Psalms 2:12
Psalm 2:12 closes the psalm with a vivid exhortation: “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” The urging to “kiss the Son” is an oriental chiasm of reverence and submission to the Messiah. “Lest he be angry” warns of sudden judgment if there is continued rebellion or indifference. The phrasing “his wrath is kindled but a little” suggests that anger is real but measured, offering time for repentance. The verse also serves as a grace-infused invitation: trust in the Son yields blessing. The final blessing for those who trust in him frames the psalm’s arc of judgment and mercy—retribution against the unfaithful and blessing for the faithful, now and in the eschaton.
This verse crystallizes the hinge of divine-human relation: response to God’s Anointed determines blessing or judgment. It reinforces the New Testament portrait of faith in Christ as the path to life (see John 3:36; Romans 10:9-13). The concept of “kiss” signals intimate allegiance—worshipful submission that flows from trust. It also frames the urgency of evangelism: inviting others to trust in the Son is a matter of life and death. The balanced message—grace to trust, warning to repent—matches the biblical pattern of divine mercy and righteous judgment.
Today, “kiss the Son” invites personal and communal recommitment to Jesus as Lord. Practical steps: examine areas where allegiance to Christ is tentative, and renew commitment through confession and repentance. Share the gospel with others, emphasizing the blessing found in trust rather than the risk of rebellion. In crisis, turn to Jesus for mercy, not self-reliance. In worship and decision-making, prioritize the Son’s guidance: Scripture, prayer, and communal discernment should shape choices. The verse challenges complacency and offers assurance: those who trust in him are blessed with God’s favor and protection.
Cross-References: Psalm 2:10-11; John 3:35-36; Acts 4:12; Philippians 3:8-9; Revelation 22:14