Psalms Chapter 2 (KJV)
Psalms 2
God's sovereignty over earthly powersThe rebellion of humanity against divine authorityThe establishment of God's anointed king (Messiah)The ultimate victory of God's kingdomThe call for wisdom and submission to God
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? {rage: or, tumultuously assemble} {imagine: Heb. meditate}
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, {saying},
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. {vex: or, trouble}
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. {set: Heb. anointed} {upon...: Heb. upon Zion, the hill of my holiness}
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou {art} my Son; this day have I begotten thee. {the decree: or, for a decree}
Ask of me, and I shall give {thee} the heathen {for} thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth {for} thy possession.
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
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.
Context & Meaning
Psalm 2 depicts the rebellion of earthly powers against God and His anointed king, followed by God's establishment of His chosen ruler on Mount Zion, and concludes with a warning to earthly rulers to submit to God's authority or face His judgment.