There are many choices in life, especially in this free land of prosperity. Some choices include God, and some do not. The present culture tells us that whatever way of life we choose is okay. Why then should we live a life that finds pleasure in trusting God? Why choose to live for God when the other choices seem so much more pleasurable? Psalm 2 gives us the answers. This psalm is ascribed to David (Acts 4:25), is identified as the "second psalm" (Acts 13:33), and is much quoted in the New Testament for its wonderful claims for God's Anointed and for its vision of the universal kingdom. In it, we have four reasons why we should trust the Lord and live for Him.

Any Plan Other Than the Lord's Is Futile

"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" (Ps. 2:1). "Why?" sets the tone for this psalm. It is a rhetorical question that expresses astonishment at the senseless rejection of God and His Anointed. In ancient times, the death of a king and the ascension of a new king often signaled rebellion among the people; thus, "the heathen [nations, NKJ] rage." The term "imagine" refers to plotting, or scheming. The psalmist pictures rebellion against the Lord. "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us" (Ps. 2:1-3). The object of their hatred and rebellion is "the Lord and his anointed." Even in secular situations, to rebel against a king was to rebel against his god. Thus, to rebel against the Lord's Anointed is to rebel against the Lord! The aim of their rebellion is perceived freedom from the Lord and His Anointed's "bands" and "cords," which were symbols of subjection and servitude. Again, the "Why?" (Ps. 2:1a), shows astonishment at this rebellion because of its futility. We must, therefore, trust God because any plan against Him will not work. It is pointless to plot against the Lord by choosing a way of life opposed to Him. Therefore, we must trust in the Lord!

God Is in Complete Control

"He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision" (Ps. 2:4). God's throne is in the heavens (cf. Ps. 11:4). The divine King is infinitely superior than all earthly kings. To the Majestic One, the earthly kings' arrogance and schemes are laughable. The punishment they will receive is not funny, but the fact that they think they can successfully cause the downfall of the Lord is ridiculous. Whenever we reject God's wisdom, we become a laughingstock (cf. Pr. 1:24-32). The Lord's derision shows itself in confounding the wise (1 Cor. 1:20) and triumphing over the arrogant (Col. 2:15). God sends His word at these arrogant, scheming ones of the earth. "Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure" (Ps. 2:5). His word will always accomplish its purpose (Isa. 55:11). God's King, His Anointed, is enthroned. "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion" (Ps. 2:5). Figuratively, "Zion" is the royal seat of the Anointed One-there He is installed and from there He rules (cf. Ps. 110:2). Whatever the schemes of rebellious humanity may be, they are laughable to God. He is in control; therefore, trust in the Lord!

The Lord's Anointed Possesses and Rules Over All

Because He is the Son, the Anointed One is heir of everything that belongs to the Father. "I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession" (Ps. 2:7-8). The expression, "Thou art my Son," is an indication of adoption. Since Jehovah is Lord of all the universe, the Son's inheritance consists of all people and their lands. "Thou art my Son" refers to Jesus Christ. It was fulfilled by the resurrection (Acts 13:33); it shows that He is greater than the angels (Heb. 1:5); and it proves that He is qualified to be the great high priest (Heb. 5:5). The psalmist further declares that the Anointed One will defeat all His enemies and will establish a righteous rule. "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (Ps. 2:9). The "rod of iron" symbolizes a powerful government (cf. Gen. 49:10), and it is used to describe the Messianic reign (Rev. 12:5). "Dashing them in pieces" is a picture of effortless, yet complete, destruction of all those who oppose the Lord (cf. Isa. 30:14; Jer. 19:11). The Lord's Anointed rules over all; therefore, we must trust in the Lord!

The Lord's Anointed Is the Only Refuge

The rebellious plotters of verse 3 are now offered their only hope-submission to the Lord and His Anointed! "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12Kiss 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" (Ps. 2:10-12). The ways of God are right and worthy of our submission (Hos. 14:9); therefore, "be wise" and "be instructed [take warning, NAS]"! The only refuge is God. All must reverence the Lord and His Anointed. "Kiss the Son" refers to humiliating oneself and paying homage to the One who is greater (cf. 1 Sam. 10:1; 1 Kgs. 19:18). He has the power to cause us to "perish from the way." He is also the One who can give us eternal blessings.

This psalm ends, "Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Why are they blessed who trust in Him? Because any other plan than the Lord's is futile, because God is in complete control, because His Anointed possesses and rules over all, and because in Him is the only refuge. Do we trust in Him?