A Symphony of the King: A Reflection on Psalm Two

Who Runs the World?

This is a complex question, and you'll receive a different answer depending on whom you ask.

Some people would point to world leaders—kings, prime ministers, and presidents—or global organizations like the United Nations or the EU. Others might say it's the world's leading companies, from tech giants like Apple and Microsoft to media powerhouses such as Disney, as well as news outlets like CNN and Fox. Still others might argue that a particular race or gender dictates how the world is run, while some point to the influence of universities and educational systems.

Today, we'll turn to Psalm 2 to find a different answer. Like an orchestra, this psalm conveys a beautiful story, revealing who truly rules the earth and how we should respond, allowing us to hear from four distinct voices, each with a unique perspective. Despite a world in rebellion against God, Psalm 2 rings out with the harmonious sounds of the Trinity and Christ's triumphant reign.

The Voice of the Psalmist: A World in Rebellion

"Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his Anointed One:^, “Let’s tear off their chains and throw their ropes off of us.”

- Psalm 2:1-3

This isn't a new question. Even with all the progress we believe we've made as a species, we still haven't reached that utopian society without hunger, war, or illness. The psalmist sees a world in active rebellion against God.

For many Christians in the U.S., we may not face the physical persecution our brothers and sisters in other countries do, but we still witness the denial of God's truth. We've seen judges redefine what a person is and politicians redefine marriage. We've seen professors in universities reject the very truth of the scriptures. In these moments, many of us feel just like this psalmist.

This rebellion isn't new; it's been happening since Adam and Eve first rebelled in the Garden. Throughout history, individuals and nations have sought to wage war with God, saying, "I don't want to be subjected to God. He is not my king. I refuse to follow His rules. I want it my way."

The psalmist makes it clear who this rebellion is against: God's Anointed One. In the Old Testament, this referred to the kings of Israel, particularly those in the line of David. However, the New Testament reveals the ultimate Anointed One—the Messiah, Jesus the Christ.

The Voice of God the Father: A Laughable Rebellion

"The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them. Then he speaks to them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath: “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain."

- Psalm 2:4-6

From our human perspective, we rage, plot, and appoint our leaders, believing we can break free. From heaven, our rebellion looks ridiculous and laughable. We are like bugs trying to pick a fight with a car—a fight we will never win.

But God's response isn't just ridicule; it's also wrath. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, He didn't just laugh it off. He delivered the consequence of death. To disobey God is to willingly choose to reject what is good and perfect.

In His displeasure, God declares who will truly rule the world. He has set His King on Mount Zion. This mountain was a holy place of worship, not a place where kings were anointed. This foreshadows a priestly king to come—a king who is holy and set apart, unlike the rest of humanity that rejects what is good.

The Voice of the Son & King: A Triumphant Decree

"I will declare the Lord’s decree. He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance and the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with an iron scepter; you will shatter them like pottery.”

- Psalm 2:7-9

It becomes clear who this king is: the Son of God, Jesus the Christ. The very one who died for the sins of the world is the very one who will rule it. The same person humanity put to shame on the cross will reign as the true sovereign. Just as nothing could stop His glorious resurrection, nothing will stop the triumphant return of the king.

The Son will inherit the earth and all its nations. His rod of iron, a symbol of authority, shows that His reign will be strong and lasting.

The Voice of the Holy Spirit: A Call to Wisdom

"So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling. Pay homage to the Son or he will be angry and you will perish in your rebellion, for his anger may ignite at any moment. All who take refuge in him are happy."

- Psalm 2:10-12

By God's grace, He has sent the Holy Spirit to convict us of our need for a Savior and to reveal the Redeemer to us. This final voice shares a clear instruction: true wisdom is to fully surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

It is one thing to confess that Jesus is Lord, but another to "serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling." This is the text's plea: to prayerfully live a life fully surrendered to Him.