Psalm 2 is the first of the Messianic Psalms, and is referenced multiple times in the New Testament in relation to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus ( Acts 4:25-26; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5). Echoes of it can also be found all throughout the New Testament and especially the book of the Revelation.

Psalm 2 speaks strongly to the truth that God’s appointed One, the Messiah, is the rightful King and the rulers of the world are not.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying… ~ v. 1-2

This is quoted in Acts 4 when the believers lifted their voices to God because of persecution against the apostles, Peter and John.

And being let go, they (Peter and John) went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. ~ Acts 4:23-28

The spirit of this world, and those who are ruled by it are in opposition to the Lord God, and his anointed One, the Messiah. This is why prayer is so important. Prayer petitions the true King to intervene with righteousness and true justice. After the believers in Acts 4 lifted their voices to God in prayer, we read that God answered their prayer with his power.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. ~ v. 29-31

God overturned the unjust verdict of the rules of this world who condemned his Son to death when he raised him from the dead and exalted him at his own right hand. The resurrection of Jesus is not an afterthought to the cross, it is the declaration that Jesus is the Son of God, the rightful heir of God’s glory, and God’s appointed King!

I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. ~ Psalm 2:6-7

… when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? ~ Hebrews 1:3b-5

Jesus is the King of glory, enthroned on God’s Holy Hill in Heavenly Zion. The scepter of His Kingdom is a scepter of righteousness (Hebrews 1:8), and by his righteous standard God judges the rulers of this world.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. ~ Psalm 2:10-12 

Sometimes it can be difficult to keep our focus on the Lord of glory when we see so much evil and injustice in our world, but know that God has set his King on his holy hill, and we have an audience with him.

Blessings…