Psalm 2 is an interesting second psalm! Feels like a switching of gears, or a quick move to different genre of psalm.
As Psalm 1 began with a beatitude, Psalm 2 ends with a beatitude. But till we get there the psalmist moves from a reflection on an individual person's way of life to a more panoramic reflection on nations and peoples, on kings and rulers.
"Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earthiest themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together
against the LORD and against his anointed..." (vv 1-2)
Perhaps the point is that this is where the way of the wicked (Psalm 1) will take a people; or perhaps we are being given a sweeping view of the __ of human willfulness and waywardness. Either way, the psalm states that God is not threatened at all, in fact, God "laughs" and holds them in derision, even as he affirms his anointed King in Zion.
I will tell of the decree,
The LORD said to me, "You are my Son,
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.." (vv. 7-8)
On one level, this is probably David, king of Israel, or the kingship as a whole established for Israel. But it is uncommon language for the Hebrew Scriptures. The New Testament identifies this as pointing to, and about, Jesus the Christ ("Christ" meaning "Anointed One" or Messiah). The psalm affirms his kingly authority and power, and ends with a warning and a beatitude.
Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
And blessed are those who meditate on words like this day and night... a reflection that God is a good and powerful sovereign, God is not unaware of life on earth, in the smallest individual detail or of the most powerful empire's evil intents or deeds. So, serve the LORD, rejoice in the LORD, adore and worship his anointed Son the King, and take refuge in him. Let us hide in his care, find our security and peace in God and God's Savior King - and not in the Psalm 1 wicked way of living life our own way without God, or in the Psalm 2 way of trusting nations and rulers and armies. Indeed,
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
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