Serve the LORD with fearThis phrase emphasizes the importance of reverence and awe in worshiping God. The term "serve" implies active obedience and dedication, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the ancient Near Eastern context, serving a deity was a common practice, but the psalmist highlights that service to the LORD is distinct because it is rooted in a deep respect and acknowledgment of His sovereignty. The "fear" mentioned here is not about terror but a profound respect and recognition of God's holiness and power. This concept is echoed in
Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the LORD is described as the beginning of knowledge. It also connects to the New Testament, where believers are called to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (
Philippians 2:12), indicating a continuous, respectful submission to God's will.
and rejoice with trembling
This phrase presents a paradoxical combination of joy and trembling, suggesting a balance between delight in God's presence and a sober awareness of His majesty. The joy comes from the assurance of God's promises and His faithfulness, as seen throughout the Psalms. However, this joy is tempered with "trembling," acknowledging the seriousness of God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience. This dual response is seen in the worship practices of Israel, where celebration and reverence were intertwined, such as during the festivals and sacrifices. The concept of rejoicing with trembling can also be seen in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) while maintaining a reverent attitude towards God. This balance reflects the nature of a relationship with God, where love and respect coexist, and it points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who embodies both the joy of salvation and the awe of divine authority.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation.
2.
The NationsImplicit in the context of
Psalm 2, representing those who oppose God's rule and the anointed King.
3.
The Anointed (Messiah)Refers to the King, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is established by God to rule.
4.
David (Traditional Author)Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, reflecting on God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing Him.
5.
ZionThe holy hill where God has set His King, symbolizing God's chosen place and people.
Teaching Points
Reverence in ServiceServing the LORD with fear means acknowledging His holiness and authority. Our service should be marked by a deep respect and awe for who God is.
Joyful ObedienceRejoicing with trembling suggests that our joy in the LORD is not flippant but is accompanied by a recognition of His majesty and power.
Balance of Fear and JoyThe Christian life involves a balance of fear and joy. We are to fear God because of His greatness and rejoice because of His grace and love.
Submission to God's SovereigntyRecognizing God's ultimate authority should lead us to submit our lives to His will, trusting in His perfect plan.
Witness to the NationsAs believers, we are called to be a testimony to the nations, demonstrating what it means to serve and rejoice in the LORD.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 2:11?
2.How can we "serve the LORD with fear" in our daily lives today?
3.What does "rejoice with trembling" mean in the context of Psalm 2:11?
4.How does Psalm 2:11 connect with Proverbs 1:7 about fearing the Lord?
5.In what ways can we balance joy and reverence in worship?
6.How does serving with fear influence our relationship with God and others?
7.What does "Serve the LORD with fear" in Psalm 2:11 imply about our relationship with God?
8.How does "rejoice with trembling" in Psalm 2:11 challenge our understanding of joy and reverence?
9.Why is fear emphasized in serving God according to Psalm 2:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 2?
11.What is the meaning of the Terror of the Lord?
12.What does the Bible teach about worship?
13.Psalm 99:1 states the earth trembles when the Lord reigns; how do we address the lack of historical or geological evidence for such a quake?
14.Psalm 48:5-6: Is there any historical or scientific evidence that opposing kings literally 'saw and were amazed' to the point of trembling?What Does Psalm 2:11 Mean
Serve the LORDPsalm 2:11 opens with the invitation, “Serve the LORD.” Service here is much more than a task list; it is wholehearted devotion—worship, obedience, and allegiance to the King who rules all nations. •Joshua 24:14 echoes the call: “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth,” reminding us that genuine service flows from sincerity. •Deuteronomy 10:12 widens the lens: the Lord asks us “to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve…with all your heart,” so service touches every corner of life. •Romans 12:1 brings the same heartbeat into the New Testament: offering our bodies as living sacrifices is “our spiritual service of worship.” In short, the psalmist summons every reader—whether ancient king or modern believer—to surrender practical, daily life to God’s authority.
with fearThe phrase continues: we serve “with fear.” This fear is not panic but reverent awe—a deep awareness of God’s holiness and our accountability before Him. •Proverbs 1:7 reminds us, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,” so reverence is foundational, not optional. •Hebrews 12:28-29 urges us to “serve God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire,” underscoring that God’s majesty never fades. •Revelation 14:7 proclaims, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come.” When we grasp the reality of His judgment seat, empty ritual disappears and worship becomes earnest, careful, and sincere.
and rejoiceAmazingly, fear does not cancel joy; it purifies it. The psalmist commands us to “rejoice.” •Psalm 5:11 models this blend: “Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy.” •Nehemiah 8:10 assures weary hearts, “The joy of the LORD is your strength,” showing that holy delight fuels courageous living. •1 Peter 1:8 celebrates believers who “rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy” even amidst trials. Genuine joy springs from knowing that the Lord we fear is also the Lord who saves, guards, and blesses His people.
with trembling“Trembling” anchors our rejoicing in humility. It guards against flippancy, reminding us we approach a sovereign King, not a casual acquaintance. •Psalm 96:9 captures the balance: “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.” •Isaiah 66:2 reveals God’s favor toward “the one…who trembles at My word.” •Philippians 2:12 combines New-Covenant grace with sober responsibility: “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” When our joy is laced with trembling, worship retains its wonder, discipleship stays earnest, and sin loses its appeal.
summaryPsalm 2:11 weaves together four strands that should mark every believer’s life: wholehearted service, reverent fear, exuberant joy, and humble trembling. Together they paint a portrait of worship that is neither cold duty nor careless celebration but a vibrant, balanced response to the Lord who reigns now and forever.
Verse 11. -
Serve the Lord with fear. "If ye will not serve him (
i.e. honour and obey him) from love, do it from fear;" "The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom" (
Psalm 111:10). And rejoice. Do not be content with fear. Go on from fear to love, and so to joy. Good men "rejoice in God alway" (
Philippians 4:4). But such rejoicing must be with trembling; or, with reverence (Prayer-book Version), since no service is acceptable to God but such as is rendered "with reverence and godly fear" (
Hebrews 12:28).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Serveעִבְד֣וּ(‘iḇ·ḏū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslavethe LORDיְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwith fear,בְּיִרְאָ֑ה(bə·yir·’āh)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverenceand rejoiceוְ֝גִ֗ילוּ(wə·ḡî·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1523:To spin round, rejoice, fearwith trembling.בִּרְעָדָֽה׃(bir·‘ā·ḏāh)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7461:A trembling
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OT Poetry: Psalm 2:11 Serve Yahweh with fear and rejoice (Psalm Ps Psa.)