Pslm 2:1-2

Well, I took a few days off. No good reason, aside from being on break, researching for another paper, but no good reason. So heres Psalm 2:1-2 to ponder a bit.

לָמָּה רָגְשׁוּ גֹויִם וּלְאֻמִּים יֶהְגּוּ־רִֽיק

Why do the nations rage and the people (plural) dwell, growl, meditate over emptiness.

Very interesting verse! First of all, the word goi'im is used, so that is probably referring not to the people of God, but the nations in general. Also, the word meaning 'rage, to be in turmoil, plot' is ONLY used here in the entire OT!(!!!) This is an important point to take into consideration. For one reason, it makes it a little more difficult to translate exactly. When words are used many times, like the word for 'goi'im' it makes it easier to understand its meaning because there is more context in which to understand it. Despite this fact, it seems obvious though that it is not a good thing. Another interesting thing is in the second part of the sentence, we have another occurrence of the word to meditate, or growl, or whatever your preferred translation of it might be. This is one of the first indications of the idea that these two chapters probably shouldn't be viewed separately. It also answers the question raised in the first chapter that was not answered; the righteous dwell on the Word of God, but what do the wicked dwell on? Chapter two answers the question, the wicked dwell on emptiness, vanity.

יִתְיַצְּבוּ ׀ מַלְכֵי־אֶרֶץ וְרֹוזְנִים נֹֽוסְדוּ־יָחַד עַל־יְהוָה וְעַל־מְשִׁיחֹֽו

The kings of the earth station themselves [as kings], and the rulers (princes) sit themselves together against the LORD and against His Messiah.

Wow! This verse says so much in its few words! Firstly, it talks about the rulers of the earth. The author here is explaining how these rulers were not put in place by God, but that they have taken the seats of office by themselves. They have taken the office by their own will. Not only have they taken the office illegitimately, but they have set themselves not in the council of the LORD, but against the LORD. Not only have they set themselves up against the LORD, but against His Messiah. You may remember, in the dialogue of Psalm 1 I mentioned that this man is a special man. Psalm 2, when read in conjunction with Psalm 1, shows that this man spoken of in Psalm 1 is the Messiah, because these wicked men that are spoken of in Psalm 1 are referred to again here in Psalm 2. The connection is stronger still because of the use of the word 'meditate' being used both times, the first speaking of the Messiah, the blessed man, and the second time being used of the wicked, who are also mentioned in Psalm 1. This is an amazing connection! Here we are, in the passion week of Christ, and we find Him in the book of Psalms! The entire Bible, both New and Old Testament is truly about the person of Jesus!