What Does Psalm 2:2 Mean?
Psalm 2:22 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
David continues Psalm 2 by describing the insurrection by the rulers of nations. They are rebelling against the LORD!
Why Do Rulers Do What They Do?
Psalm 2:2 explains their active, aggressive rebellion. Have you ever wondered why kings and rulers do what they do? They are beside themselves in their rebellion against God. They have “set themselves,” which means they are resistant and oppose the LORD. And they “take counsel together,” which refers to their sitting close together to brainstorm how best to rebel.
That’s what’s going on behind the scenes, even though the appearance of rulers seems to be sophisticated and “political.” In fact, they are leading their nations into rebellion. The Scripture pulls back the curtain on their scheme.
Rulers’ Rebellion is AGAINST the LORD and His Messiah
It’s not that rulers simply do wrong things. Their ruling is against the LORD. It is truly a divine insurrection. “Anointed” here refers to Messiah, the Anointed One. In Greek, this is translated Christos. Three offices in the Old Testament were anointed with oil to indicate their installation into that office: prophet, priest, and king.
Prophet: God speaks through the prophet
Priest: The people speak through the priest
King: The king rules over the people on God’s behalf.
Jesus is prophet, priest, and king. As God’s Messiah (the Anointed One), He came and will one day come again to fulfill this office.
Conclusion to Psalm 2:2 Commentary
Isaiah 61:11 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
The LORD Jesus came as the Anointed One to save lost sinners and give freedom from sin. God saves sinners, but He doesn’t save rebels. Take refuge in Jesus today, as Psalm 2:12 teaches.
Psalm 2:1212 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
What exactly are the nations saying in their rebellion? Find out in our study of verse 3!