Psalm two is a Psalm of David the king (Acts 4:25). Portions of this Psalm are quoted often in the New Testament particularly in reference to its high view of God’s Anointed (the Christ) and for its compelling vision of God’s kingdom. It begins with the Almighty’s derision of those who in their pride seek to break the bonds of God’s law. But God will have the final word, a warning of judgement and a call to salvation. Psalm two is “unsurpassed for its buoyant, fierce delight in God’s dominion and His promise to His King” (Kidner, 50).

Like so much of the Old Testament, Psalm two operates on two levels. On one level, it has a direct application to the times in which it was originally composed. Psalm two is fulfilled in part during David’s reign. He was the Lord’s anointed king. He did sit upon a throne in Jerusalem on Mount Zion. He did have great victory over enemy nations. But Psalm two also points to a greater, ultimate fulfillment in the Lord’s Christ, the King whose Kingdom is universal and forever. He is the Son of God whose Sonship is by way of an eternal divine begotteness.

In this Psalm we recall the language spoken at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration. We find the same language applied to Jesus elsewhere (Acts 4:25-27; 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5; Rev 12:5). Psalm two is the only passage in the Old Testament which uses the three titles “Son of God,” Messiah,” (anointed one), and “God’s King” appear together. Ultimately, the earthly kingdom of David was a shadow of the everlasting kingdom of his greater Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.