(2:1) Prophetic Psalms - Several psalms are called messianic because of their prophetic descriptions of Jesus the Messiah (Christ) - his life, death, resurrection, and future reign. David, who wrote this psalm, was a shepherd, soldier, and king. Clearly, he was also a prophet (Acts 2:29-30), because this psalm describes the rebellion of the nations and the coming of Christ to establish his eternal reign. This psalm is often mentioned in the New Testament (see Acts 4:25-26; 13:33; Hebrews 1:5-6; 5:5; Revelation 2:26-27; 12:5; 19:15).

(2:2) A Promise of a Messiah - David may have written these words during a conspiracy against Israel by some of the surrounding pagan nations. Chosen and anointed by God, David knew that God would fulfill his promise to bring the Messiah into the world through his bloodline (2 Samuel 7:16; 1 Chronicles 17:11-12).

(2:3) Running from God - People often think they will be free if they can get away from God. They wish to run their own lives without rules or restrictions. Yet, inevitably, everyone serves somebody or something, whether a human ruler, an organization, or their own selfish desires. Just as a fish is not free when it leaves the water and a tree is not free when it is pulled out of the soil, we are not free when we are far from God. We were not made to live apart from God. The only way to experience and enjoy true freedom is to stay deeply connected to the one who created us and can fulfill us completely.

(2:4) God is in Control - Nations in the hands of evil leaders will plot evil, making threats, trying to get the upper hand, oppressing the weak and helpless. And God laughs--not at the nations, but at their leaders confused thoughts about power. It is like the laughter of a father when his three-year-old boasts that he or she can outrun him or beat him in a wrestling match. The father knows the limited strength of his little child, and God knows the boundaries of power for every nation. World powers are far more limited than they think, but God has no limitations. He is omnipotent. When terrorist acts, threats of nuclear war, or other kinds of oppression make us fearful, we should focus our hope on God's rule, which cannot be overthrown.

(2:4) God is All-Powerful - He created the world and knew about the empires of the earth long before they came into being (Daniel 2:26-45). But pride and power cause nations and leaders to rebel against God and try to break free of him. Many world leaders boast of their power, rant and rave against God and his people, and promise to take over and form their own empires. But God laughs, because any power they have comes from him, and he can also take it from them. We need not fear the boasts of tyrants--they are in God's hands and will be judged by him.

(2:11-12) Surrendering to the Lord - To "kiss the Son" means to surrender fully to him. Christ is not only God's chosen King- he is also the rightful King of our hearts and lives. To be ready for Christ's return, we must submit to his leadership every day. This command comes with a promise of true joy. Those under God's protection never regret submitting to him.