The coronation of a monarch is an important moment in the life of a nation. When ancient Israel enthroned a monarch, particularly a descendant of David, the nation’s surrounding Israel would take notice. Questions about the nature of the new monarch would be asked, and some nations, sensing an opportunity, might seek to start a conflict. Why do these nations rage? Why do they seek to destroy God’s people? God’s response to the raging of nations is simply to laugh. Nothing they can do will thwart God’s ultimate purpose from fulfillment.
People who came to faith in Jesus Christ after His resurrection and ascension used this Psalm as a prayer (see Acts 4:25-28); by Paul as evidence that Jesus, the One God raised from the dead, is the One spoken on in Psalm 2 (Acts 13:330; by Paul as he sought to remind his readers in Rome of Jesus’ true nature (Romans 1:4); and as John the Beloved Disciple explained what he was when he saw Jesus in his vision (Revelation 12:5, 19:15).
In the original setting of the Psalm we are given a glimpse into the unyielding demand of God for worship. He created us to acknowledge His power and His presence. To laugh, to dis-regard Him, to ignore Him is to invite God’s judgment. We have been conditioned in our world to de-emphasize ‘judgment’ so that no one will be offended. As this Psalm so clearly illustrates, God will judge – on the basis of how people (monarchs and commoners alike) respond to His One and Only Son, whom God has appointed King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
WINSTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 