Psalm 2:3

break Their chains: These kings think that recognizing the true God and his chosen ruler will lead to their enslavement (Isaiah 28:22; 52:2; compare Lamentations 3:7; Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:22; Titus 1:1).

Their useless paths lead to death (Psalm 1:4, 6), but sinful human beings join together to oppose the true God and his Messiah.

This royal psalm describes the Lord choosing a king descended from David. It celebrates the mission of all the kings in David's family line. It also introduces the hope of an ideal ruler. This ruler will accomplish the Lord's goal of bringing all nations into submission (Psalm 2:11) or to destruction (2:9). The New Testament identifies Jesus as this descendant (see Acts 13:33; 1 Corinthians 15:25–27; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5; Revelation 19:15).

The first two psalms serve as an introduction to the whole book of Psalms (called the Psalter). Psalm 1 presents the Lord's guidance in wisdom, while Psalm 2 shows God's rule over a rebellious and sinful world. Together, these psalms invite people to abandon foolishness, which leads to destruction. These psalms invite people to follow God's path instead, which leads to wisdom and salvation. The New Testament confirms that God will govern the nations through Jesus Christ, his chosen representative (Hebrews 1:5; Revelation 12:5; 19:15).