What Does Psalm 2:1 Mean?
Psalm 2:11 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
David starts with a rhetorical question.
Do You Feel Outrage Over Current Events? Psalm 2:1
David expresses outrage, “Why on earth is this happening?” Do you feel this way about the news right now? Angry, discouraged, depressed?
“Nations” and “Peoples” Are the Countries of the World
The “nations” and the “peoples” refer to the same thing: the countries of the world. Why are all these nations raging and plotting in vain?
What does that mean?
“Raging” and “Plotting” Nations: Pointless Rebellion
The countries of earth “rage“: they are conspiring and planning evil. It is rebellion against the LORD.
The countries of earth also “plot in vain“: The nations are devising plots that will ultimately fail.
There is a sense in which “resistance is futile!”
Conclusion of Psalm 2:1 Commentary
Isaiah 8:1010 Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.
The evil plans of the nations shall not succeed. God will see to it. How many kings and countries fought against God’s people Israel and paid the ultimate price for it? Pharaoh of Egypt, Philistines, Sennacherib, the Roman Empire. Where are they now?
Now, what exactly is it that the nations are plotting? Go to our study of Psalm 2:2 and find out!