The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 2
In brief
Psalm 2 is a royal psalm that opens in uproar: the nations and their kings band together against Yahweh and his Anointed. God is not worried. He laughs, then declares that he has set his King on Zion. This King receives the nations as his inheritance. The psalm ends with a call for rulers to serve Yahweh wisely and to take refuge in the Son. The New Testament recognizes Jesus, the Messiah, in these words.
The chapter in 4 parts
1Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
2The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying,
3“Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.”
4He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.
5Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath:
6“Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”
7I will tell of the decree: Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.
8Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
9You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.
Key verses
He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.
God's laughter is not cruel mockery. It says that the plots of the powerful are no threat to his reign.
I will tell of the decree: Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.
God declares that his King is his son. The New Testament applies these words to Jesus, especially in connection with his resurrection.
Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
The King only has to ask: the promised inheritance includes the nations, to the ends of the earth.
Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.
The psalm ends with an invitation to take refuge in the Son rather than resist him, and speaks of blessing for those who trust in him.
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What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 2
What does Psalm 2 mean?
Psalm 2 shows the powerful of the earth plotting against God, and God answering with calm: he has set his King, his son, and given him the nations. The psalm urges rulers, and each of us, not to resist but to trust this King. The New Testament recognizes Jesus, the Messiah, in him.
Who wrote Psalm 2 and for whom?
The text has no title naming the author. The New Testament attributes it to David in the book of Acts. It is a royal psalm, linked to the anointing of a king from David's line on Zion. The first Christians read in it the announcement of Jesus, the king God established.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 2?
Read it slowly in three steps. First, name the turmoil in your world, then let God remind you that he reigns. Finally, answer the last verse by taking refuge in the Son. You can also pray this way for the leaders of your country, that they would act with wisdom.
Articles quoting Psalm 2
World English Bible translation — public domain.