The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's often missed here is the subtle but powerful contrast between the earthly rulers and God. While the kings and rulers are busy "setting themselves" and "taking counsel," implying determined action and strategic planning, their efforts are ultimately aimed at God Himself and His chosen representative. This highlights the futility of their earthly power when pitted against the divine, showing their counsel and resolve as directed against the very One who orchestrates all of history.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm opens with a lament over the futile rebellion of nations and their rulers against God's authority. This verse specifically depicts the organized opposition: earthly kings and rulers are depicted as actively standing together, forming alliances and conspiring with a common purpose. They are not just passively disagreeing, but are strategically plotting against the LORD and the one He has chosen, His Anointed.
It's striking how this verse describes 'kings' and 'rulers' coming together. What does this united front reveal about human rebellion?
A Global Summit of Defiance
Verse 2 paints a picture of coordinated rebellion. It's not just one king or one group, but 'the kings of the earth' and 'the rulers' who 'set themselves' and 'take counsel together.'
This isn't just political maneuvering; it's a spiritual conspiracy. They are uniting not against a mere human rival, but directly 'against the LORD and against his Anointed.' This shows that even the most powerful earthly authorities, when aligned against God, are ultimately unified in their foolish defiance.
The psalm clearly states who the opposition is aimed at. Why is targeting God's 'Anointed' the same as targeting God Himself?
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More Than Just a King
The core of this conspiracy is aimed at two seemingly distinct, yet intimately connected, targets: 'the LORD' and 'his Anointed.'
When these earthly powers attack 'his Anointed,' they are, by extension, attacking God Himself. As Calvin noted, they may not realize they are fighting God, but by trying to overthrow the kingdom God has established through His chosen representative, they are in rebellion against the very source of all authority.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the personal name of the one true God of Israel, revealed to Moses, signifying His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and supreme authority over all creation.
māšîaḥ · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'the Anointed One.' In a biblical context, it refers to the king consecrated by God’s authority to rule His people, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
This Psalm reflects on the perpetual opposition faced by God's chosen leaders and, most importantly, by the Messiah. It highlights how earthly rulers, even when acting against the 'Anointed One,' are ultimately defying the Lord Himself, a truth vividly seen in the events surrounding Jesus' life and death.
~1000 BC
David Crowned King of Israel
David is anointed king of Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the capital. His reign, though divinely ordained, faces significant opposition from various enemies, both internal and external.
c. 40-4 BC
Reign of Herod the Great
Herod the Great, a powerful and often ruthless ruler appointed by Rome, holds significant influence over Judea. He is known for his building projects and his fear of any potential rival to his throne, including the infant Jesus.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate Governs Judea
Pontius Pilate serves as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea. His tenure is marked by a complex relationship with the Jewish leadership and ultimately his decision to condemn Jesus to crucifixion.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus, recognized by many as the Messiah (the Anointed One), proclaims the Kingdom of God. This declaration and his growing influence provoke opposition from the Jewish religious authorities and eventually lead to his trial and crucifixion under Roman authority.
c. AD 40s-60s
Early Spread of Christianity
Following Jesus' ascension, his followers, including apostles like Peter and Paul, begin to spread the message of the Gospel. This new movement faces increasing hostility from both Jewish leaders and Roman authorities.
c. AD 64
Persecution under Nero
Emperor Nero initiates the first major persecution of Christians in Rome, blaming them for the great fire. This marks a significant escalation of opposition from imperial powers against the early church.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 2:1-2, showing how the early apostles understood the kings and rulers of their day conspiring against Jesus, the Anointed One, fulfilling the psalm's prophecy.
Psalm 2:10-12These verses offer God's response to the conspiracy described in Psalm 2:2, calling the kings and rulers to wisdom and submission to His Anointed, highlighting the ultimate futility of their opposition.
Matthew 2:16This account shows Herod the Great, a king of the earth, acting out the spirit of Psalm 2:2 by seeking to kill the infant Jesus, the Anointed One, revealing the long-standing opposition to God's chosen king.
John 11:47-53Here, the chief priests and Pharisees, acting as rulers, counsel together against Jesus, demonstrating the very sort of conspiracy and deliberation against the Anointed One that Psalm 2 describes.
calvinPsalms 2:1-3: "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?"
- Why do the nations rise tumultuously, and the peoples murmur in vain? 2. The kings of the earth have confederated, and the princes have assembled together, against Jehovah and against his Christ. 3. Let us break of their bonds, and cast away their yoke from us.
WE know how many conspired against David, and endeavored to prevent his coming to the throne, and from their hostile attempts, had he judged according to t…
clarkePsalms 2:2: "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,"
Against his anointed - על משיחיה al Meshichiah, "Against his Messiah." - Chaldee. But as this signifies the anointed person, it may refer first to David, as it does secondly to Christ.
What's often missed here is the subtle but powerful contrast between the earthly rulers and God. While the kings and rulers are busy "setting themselves" and "taking counsel," implying determined action and strategic planning, their efforts are ultimately aimed at God Himself and His chosen representative. This highlights the futility of their earthly power when pitted against the divine, showing their counsel and resolve as directed against the very One who orchestrates all of history.
The psalm opens with a lament over the futile rebellion of nations and their rulers against God's authority. This verse specifically depicts the organized opposition: earthly kings and rulers are depicted as actively standing together, forming alliances and conspiring with a common purpose. They are not just passively disagreeing, but are strategically plotting against the LORD and the one He has chosen, His Anointed.
The psalm opens with a lament over the futile rebellion of nations and their rulers against God's authority. This verse specifically depicts the organized opposition: earthly kings and rulers are depicted as actively standing together, forming alliances and conspiring with a common purpose. They are not just passively disagreeing, but are strategically plotting against the LORD and the one He has chosen, His Anointed.
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying," — What's often missed here is the subtle but powerful contrast between the earthly rulers and God. While the kings and rulers are busy "setting themselves" and "taking counsel," implying determined act…
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Last reviewed October 2026