Here is Psalm 2 from the New King James Version (NKJV):
Psalm 2
1 Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot 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 bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
6 “Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”
7 “I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
Psalm 2 Verse by Verse Commentary
Psalm 2:1 — “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?”
David starts off angry. Not politely, not soft. He’s like, “What are these people even doing?” He’s not talking politics, it’s more like—this is madness. Humans trying to gang up and go against God? Seriously? He says they’re “plotting in vain”—as in, their plans are straight-up pointless. Total waste. Think Genesis 11, Tower of Babel—people tried building something to reach heaven. God just scattered them like dust. Same vibe here.
Psalm 2:2 — “The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his Anointed.”
So these ain’t clueless folks. They got titles, armies, power. And what do they do with all that? Go against the Lord and His anointed—Messiah. That’s Jesus, full stop. It’s a global anti-God alliance. But David’s not panicking—he’s kinda mocking them. This is like ants teaming up to fight a volcano. In Acts 4:23-28, Peter quotes this verse. Says it’s about how Jesus got crucified. Those kings and leaders really did go after Him. But plot twist—God already had that written in the script.
Psalm 2:3 — “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
This is what the people say. “We don’t want God’s rules, too controlling, let’s be free!” Sounds exactly like culture today. “Live your truth,” “Don’t judge me,” “God’s just oppressive.” They see His commands like chains. But really, it’s not chains—it’s safety barriers. Like those on highways. Keeps you alive, mate. They think they’re escaping religion, but they’re just running into chaos.
Psalm 2:4 — “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”
Now this bit—it’s gold. God’s not pacing, He’s not sweating. He’s laughing. Not because He’s cruel, but ‘cause it’s ridiculous. Man thinks he’s gonna overthrow the Creator? Nah. It’s like ants drawing up battle plans against a boot. Psalm 37:13 backs this up: “The Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.”
Psalm 2:5 — “He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath.”
But He ain’t laughing forever. He does respond. And when He does—it’s terrifying. This is real wrath. Not temper tantrum wrath. Holy anger. It’s judgment, not mood swings. They wanted to ignore Him, now they’re shaking. He’s been patient, but time’s up.
Psalm 2:6 — “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
This is God saying, “Too late—I already did it.” Not “I will,” but “I have.” Past tense. The King is installed—Jesus, the Messiah. Zion is Jerusalem, but more than that—it’s the centre of God’s rule. This is a big divine mic drop. Humans plot; God appoints.
Psalm 2:7 — “I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’”
Now the King speaks—Jesus Himself. And He quotes what the Father told Him. “You are my Son.” Boom. That line’s quoted several times in the New Testament—at Jesus’ baptism (Matt. 3:17), at the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:5), and Hebrews 1:5 to prove His Sonship. And that “Today I have become your Father”? It’s not about Jesus being born physically. It’s about the Father confirming His kingship, His public position.
Psalm 2:8 — “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”
Here comes the promise. Total global authority. This ain’t no local throne. It’s the whole planet. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” This verse is being fulfilled now through the church spreading, and will be fully completed when Jesus returns to rule the nations. It’s not a maybe. It’s locked in.
Psalm 2:9 — “You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
Don’t get it twisted. Jesus is gentle, but He’s also Judge. This isn’t Lamb-of-God language here. This is the King of Kings breaking rebellious nations. Revelation 2:27 and 19:15 quote this exact verse. If people don’t surrender to Him—He will crush rebellion. It’s not up for negotiation. Not because He’s cruel, but because He’s just.
Psalm 2:10 — “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.”
God pauses here. He doesn’t smash them straight away. He gives a warning. This is mercy. He says to the kings, to the power people: “Get your act together.” It’s a shot at repentance. He’s saying, “You still have time to turn.”
Psalm 2:11 — “Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.”
What kind of worship is this? One that fears and celebrates at the same time. Seems odd, but it’s actually right. You know who you’re dealing with—He’s holy, He’s powerful—but also, you rejoice that you can know Him. It’s not casual praise. It’s deep, real, trembling-with-a-smile kind of worship. Exodus 20:20 says something similar: “God has come to test you, that the fear of Him may keep you from sinning.”
**Psalm 2:12 — “Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up.
This is the clincher. “Kiss the Son” means submit, honour, yield. It’s like bowing to a king. Not a romantic kiss—a kiss of allegiance. If you don’t? His wrath comes fast. And it won’t be pretty. But look at the last line: “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” That’s grace.
