The Secret Behind Chapter 2 in Psalms: How This Chapter Predicted Israel's Victory Over Their Enemies?

Chapter 2 in the Book of Psalms is the second psalm in the book, and it deals with the rebuke to the nations and the expression of promise to the Messianic king. In this chapter, King David describes the nations' resistance to Hashem and the kingdom of the Messiah, and Hashem's response to any attempt to stand against His will.

The Full Chapter 

(1) 'Why Do the Nations Rage, and the People Imagine a Vain Thing?'

The nations move without purpose, the main idea here is that the nations believe they can avoid the influence of Hashem and His Messiah’s kingdom.

(2) 'The Kings of the Earth Set Themselves, and the Rulers Take Counsel Together, Against Hashem, and Against His Anointed.'

The kings and leaders of the nations gather against Hashem and against King David, the Messiah. Here is a picture of a global conspiracy against what Hashem has planned.

(3) 'Let Us Break Their Bands Asunder, and Cast Away Their Cords From Us.'

The nations seek to break the bonds of Hashem’s rule and overturn divine institutions, but all their efforts will fail.

(4) 'He That Sits in the Heavens Shall Laugh; Hashem Shall Have Them in Derision.'

Hashem, observing from the heavens, will respond to them with laughter and scorn. They have no power against the might of the Almighty.

(5) 'Then Shall He Speak to Them in His Wrath, and Vex Them in His Sore Displeasure.'

In the moment of truth, Hashem will speak to them in anger and afflict them with severe consequences, to demonstrate His supremacy.

(6) 'Yet Have I Set My King Upon My Holy Hill of Zion.'

Hashem declares that He has appointed David as king, thus clarifying His ultimate authority.

(7) 'I Will Declare the Decree: Hashem Has Said Unto Me, Thou Art My Son; This Day Have I Begotten Thee.'

King David conveys Hashem's word to him, in which he receives his royal authority directly, as a beloved son before Hashem.

(8) 'Ask of Me, and I Shall Give Thee the Heathen for Thine Inheritance, and the Uttermost Parts of the Earth for Thy Possession.'

Hashem offers David to ask Him for anything, promising him control over all nations and the most distant territories.

(9) 'Thou Shalt Break Them with a Rod of Iron; Thou Shalt Dash Them in Pieces Like a Potter's Vessel.'

Hashem declares that David will strike his enemies with great strength, like a rod of iron that will shatter his foes as a potter's vessel.

(10) 'Be Wise Now Therefore, O Ye Kings: Be Instructed, Ye Judges of the Earth.'

Kings and judges across the world are advised to understand Hashem’s will and rise above their power struggles.

(11) 'Serve Hashem with Fear, and Rejoice with Trembling.'

The recommendation to the nations is to serve Hashem with awe, but also with great joy, from an understanding of the greatness and holiness of the Almighty.

(12) '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.'

Hashem warns the nations: if they do not act properly, they will anger Him and be punished. Those who trust in Hashem and follow His ways will be blessed.

Interesting Midrashim from Midrash Tehillim

Why Do the Nations Rage: The Midrash explains that all nations that tried to strike Israel, such as Nimrod, Abimelech, Pharaoh, and others, all failed. King David looks upon them and understands the reason for their failure – any resistance to Hashem’s will leads to failure. As the Midrash states: "So too, all the nations of the idolaters, anyone who schemes against Israel to harm them falls before them. You will find that Nimrod and his fellows schemed against Abraham and fell before him. Abimelech before Isaac, Esau before Jacob, Pharaoh and Egypt before Israel and so many others in the Torah. And even in the future, Gog and Magog will fall before Israel, and David sees and cries out: Why do the nations rage?"

Ask of Me and I Shall Give: The Midrash notes that Hashem offered three figures to ask of Him, and they were Solomon, Ahaz, and the Messiah. Solomon asked for wisdom, Ahaz asked for a sign, and the Messiah, as noted in Psalms, receives the kingdom as Hashem decreed upon him. As the Midrash states: "Rabbi Yochanan said three individuals were told by Hashem to ask and they are - Solomon, Ahaz, and the King Messiah. Solomon, as it is written (1 Kings 3:5) in Gibeon Hashem appeared to Solomon etc. Ahaz, as it is written (Isaiah 7:11) ask for yourself a sign. And why was his name called Ahaz — because he held back from bringing good to the world. Alternatively, because he held back study houses from engaging in Torah. King Messiah, as it is said ask of me and I shall give".

In summary, Chapter 2 in Psalms conveys a powerful and clear message: every attempt of the nations to revolt against Hashem and against His Messiah, King David, will fail. Hashem responds to them with contempt and laughter, and promises the Messianic king dominion over all nations. The message for all generations is clear: faith in Hashem and His Messiah, devotion to Him, and fulfillment of His commandments with fear and joy, is the path to earn His protection and blessing.