The historical situation of this Ps. cannot now be recovered. It may refer to some threatened rebellion of subject kings in the early days of Solomon, or to some similar movement under one of the later kings; but it is impossible to give it any precise date. This, however, is of the less importance, as the leading feature of the Ps. is its application to the Messianic King—the ideal ruler of Israel. Some writers deny that it had any historical setting, and hold that it refers exclusively to the ideal King, the viceroy of Jehovah. As one of the Messianic Pss. it is appropriately used on Easter Day. It is divided into four strophes or verses, and is a dramatic poem, different speakers being introduced. The divisions are, Psalms 2:1-3; Psalms 2:4-6; Psalms 2:7-9; Psalms 2:10-12. In the first two strophes the Psalmist is the speaker; in the last two the King. (1-3) The poet views the nations plotting against Jehovah and His representative, the Messianic King (4-6) but remembering the power and majesty of God, he sees a speedy end to their devices. (7-9) Then the King is introduced relating Jehovah's decree and promise of sovereignty over all nations, and (10-12) bidding the rebellious kinglets therefore be warned in time and repent.
Related Commentaries of Psalms 2:1
Psalms 2:1-12
1 Why do the heathen rage,a and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vexb them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I setc my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree:d the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
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.