Psalm 2

This Psalm is a messianic psalm, and although there is no title it seems to be a psalm of David as Acts 4:25 suggests.
Psalm 2
Psalm 2
Psalm 2
Psalm 2
Psalm 2 word for word from NKJV so you can easily memorize it!
Psalm 2 word for word from KJV
Psalm 2 a 70's type rock song
Psalm 2 a Scottish Psalter
Psalm 2 a dramatic reading from ESV
Psalm 2 country style
Psalm 2 a hymn
Psalm 2
Psalm 2 NRSV
Psalm 2

This Psalm is classified as a royal psalm [referring to the coronation of a Jewish king and the rebellion of some vassal nations that hoped to gain their freedom]. Because of its reference to the Messiah, it is quoted often [at least 18 times] in the NT.  The test of a Messianic psalm is that it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to Jesus.

Verses 1-3 ~ "Nations" refers to the hostile Gentile nations.  "Plotting in vain" [Strong's #7385 - riyq means emptiness, a worthless thing, no purpose].  The Psalmist does not just describe the rebellious plot—he questions it and concludes it to be pointless.  His Anointed One [Strong's #4899 - mâshîyach means a consecrated person, specifically The Messiah, anointed; which in Gr. is christos, the Christ].  Opposing a king anointed by God amounted to opposing God Himself.  Verse 1-2 expresses the psalmist’s amazement in the form of a rhetorical [no reply needed] question. He cannot believe “the nations” would plot something destined to fail. These earthly kings actually were taking a stand against the LORD when they stood against His Anointed One.  Verse 3 records the nations’ resolution: they wished to be free of the political control of this king. Their expression describes their bondage to this king as if they were tied down. They couldn't tolerate this.  This passage was applied by the Apostles in Acts 4:25,26 regarding the death of Jesus.
Verses 4-6 ~ Now the Psalmist turns from the description of the nations to God's response to their plans.  God reacts to this rebellion not with concern, but with laughter. The nations’ plots are futile. Knowing the outcome, God ridicules their efforts; how foolish is their plan to oppose Him.  God's reaction is expressed in human terms.  He also responds in anger & contempt.  Disobedience triggers his anger.  "I have set my king" announces God's installation of HIS anointed king.  Jerusalem is another name for Zion [originally a Canaanite city conquered by David, but later referred to the temple area and then to the entire city of Jerusalem.  1st mention of Zion is in II Samuel 5:7.] and is referred to 40 times in the Psalms.  "My holy mount/hill" refers to the Temple Mount [Is.10:12]. This commentary says it well:

It was God who gave David his throne on Zion, and it was God who gave David victory after victory as he defeated the enemies of Israel. But this was only a picture of an even greater coronation: God declares that there is but one legitimate King, and that is His Son who is now seated on the throne of glory (Mark 16:19; 1 Cor. 15:25; Eph. 1:19–23). Jesus Christ is both King and Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:5–6; 7:1ff). Today, there is no king in Israel (Hos. 3:4), but there is a King enthroned in the heavenly Zion (Heb. 12:22–24). The Father has promised the Son complete victory over the nations, which means that one day He will reign over all the kingdoms of the world. Satan offered Him this honor in return for His worship, but Jesus refused (Matt. 4:8–11). Christ’s rule will be just but firm, and if they oppose Him, He will smash them like so many clay pots

Wiersbe, W. W. (2004). Be worshipful (1st ed., pp. 18–19). Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries.

Verse 7 ~ "I will decree...You are my son" refers to the Davidic covenant.  This is the only OT reference to the Father/Son relationship in the Trinity.  God also refers [Ex. 4:22-23 & Hosea 11:1] that the whole nation of Israel is His son.  "I have begotten you" expresses the privileges of relationship, with its prophetic application to the Son-Messiah [Heb. 1:5-6 & Acts 13:33-34].

Verse 8 ~ "Ask from me" The king’s privileged position enables him to ask God to extend his rule. The nation's plotting together against God’s king can be delivered to him at his request [including the rebellious nations, and will be subjugated by the Lord’s anointed.]

Verses 9-10 ~ This subjugation is expressed in harsh terms: he will smash (dash … to pieces) all rebellious people as he establishes his reign.  The Hebrew verbs in the verse describe a crushing blow for the rebels.  "An iron rod" Symbolizing authority and power (110:2; Gen 49:10). Iron symbolizes strength (Jeremiah 1:18). This verse is alluded to several times in Revelation (Rev 2:27; 12:5; 19:15).

Verse 11 ~ The psalmist warns the nations to give up their futile plots and serve God. Rather than try to break free from God’s rule, they should rejoice in serving Him.  They are to lead lives of submission, not rebellion; lives characterized by fear and trembling, not arrogance; lives filled with exultation, not the gloom of oppression.

Verse 12 ~ "Kiss the son" means to pay homage to him.  Psalm 1 opens with “blessed” and Psalm 2 concludes with promised blessing for all who put their trust in the Son of God. That promise still stands (John 3:16–18; 20:31).