Psa 2:2-5 | TNotes | STEP | 2:2 The kings hate the Lord’s established order in the world, so they desire to be independent of him (see 36:4 ). They scheme about dominating the Lord’s people (31:13 ; see 83:1-4 ). Their goal is to subvert the Lord’s rule in the world by overthrowing his anointed one (or his messiah ); the Lord chose the kings of David’s dynasty to establish his kingdom throughout the earth. The New Testament confirms that Jesus, the appointed and anointed Son of God (Acts 4:26 ; 13:33 ; Heb 1:5 ; 5:5 ), fulfills the role in which these earlier kings failed.

2:2 ^a The kings hate the Lord’s established order in the world, so they desire to be independent of him (see 36:4 ^b). They scheme about dominating the Lord’s people (31:13 ^c; see 83:1-4 ^d). Their goal is to subvert the Lord’s rule in the world by overthrowing his anointed one (or his messiah); the Lord chose the kings of David’s dynasty to establish his kingdom throughout the earth. The New Testament confirms that Jesus, the appointed and anointed Son of God (Acts 4:26 ^e; 13:33 ^f; Heb 1:5 ^g; 5:5 ^h), fulfills the role in which these earlier kings failed.
2:3 ⁱ break their chains: These kings believe that acknowledging the true God and his chosen ruler will result in their enslavement (Isa 28:22 ^j; 52:2 ^k; cp. Lam 3:7 ^l; Rom 1:1 ^m; 1 Cor 7:22 ⁿ; Titus 1:1 ^o).
Summary for Ps 2:4-6: 2:4-6 ^p The Lord finds the human threat insignificant. He provided a solution long before their rebellion. He will end their agitation through the appointment of a human agent, a descendant of David’s line who will rule the nations. 2:4 ^q rules in heaven: The Lord’s place in the universe is so certain that he scoffs at humans who boast that they can rebel against his power and authority (see 37:13 ^r; 59:8 ^s).