Psalm 2

1 Why do the nations conspire[a] and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”

4
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5
He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6
“I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron[b]; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10
Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11
Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12
Kiss his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Why Do The Nations Conspire

This psalm shows us four snapshot, or small pictures, that are constantly found among humankind.
(1) The psalm writer begins by speaking of people groups and world leaders taking a stand against God's "Anointed One". This is a sad picture of humankind's prideful rebellion against God, His law, His plan to save them, His Messiah (i.e., the "Anointed One", Savior) and the moral teaching of His Word. The New Testaments authors recognize that same attitude of the world as it opposes Christ and His followers (Jn 15:9; Eph 6:12).

(2) God responds to the world's useless efforts to defy Him. He mocks the world's efforts because the time is coming when He will put an end to human rebellion and will fully establish His kingdom on the earth at the end of time as we know it Ro 1:18; 1Th 5:1-11; Rev 19:11-21)

(3) God the Father promises to send His Son to rightfully rule the nations and to defeat all who oppose Him. This promise will be fulfilled when Christ returns to the earth and destroys God's enemies (Rev 12:5; 19:15). Then all His faithful followers will participate in His reign over the nations (Rev 2:26-27; 20:1-6).

(4) Through the Psalm writer, the Holy Spirit sends out a challenge to human kind to be wise with respect to Almighty God and to take refuge in a relationship with Him before the terrible day of God's judgement (Heb 3:7-19).

His Anointed One

Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm, meaning that it prophesies the coming of God's Messiah (i.e., "Anointed One"), Jesus Christ. God commissioned and empowered Jesus to rescue people from sin, restore their relationship with God and rule over God's kingdom.

My Son; Today I Have Become Your Father.

'Become your Father" literally translate "brought you forth". A siilar phrase was used to describe a woman giving birth, but it was also a technical term for a king presenting his son before of the people. The king proclaimed, or officially announced, his son as king along with his father (1Ki 1:32-34, where David did this for his son, Solomon). Here it applies to Jesus's public proclamation as God's Son and His anointed as the ultimate prophet, priest and king (Mt 3:12; Ac 13:33)

The Nations Your Inheritance.

No earthly king was ever promised authority over all nations as an inheritance. This was a promise only to be fulfilled in the messiah/King, Jesus (Zec 9:10).

Thanks for reading.
God bless you.
Shalom.

[NIV Study Edition Bible]

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