1 Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God],
And why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand;
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the Lord and His Anointed (the Davidic King, the Messiah, the Christ), saying,
3 “Let us break apart their [divine] bands [of restraint]
And cast away their cords [of control] from us.”
4 He who sits [enthroned] in the heavens laughs [at their rebellion];
The [Sovereign] Lord scoffs at them [and in supreme contempt He mocks them].
5 Then He will speak to them in His [profound] anger
And terrify them with His displeasure, saying,
6 “Yet as for Me, I have anointed and firmly installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”
7 “I will declare the decree of the Lord:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son;
This day [I proclaim] I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall shatter them [in pieces] like earthenware.’”
10 Now therefore, O kings, act wisely;
Be instructed and take warning, O leaders (judges, rulers) of the earth.
11 Worship the Lord and serve Him with reverence [with awe-inspired fear and submissive wonder];
Rejoice [yet do so] with trembling.
12 Kiss (pay respect to) the Son, so that He does not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled and set aflame.
How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] are all those who take refuge in Him!

Psalm 2 (AMP)

The MacArthur Study Bible says this in regard to verse 1: This is the irony of man’s depravity—devising, conspiring, and scheming emptiness (cf. Ps. 38:12; Prov. 24:2; Is. 59:3, 13).

Verses 2-3 discuss the “kings of the earth” taking their stand against the Lord and His Anointed (Christ). While the days of kings might be largely over, one can see where the cultures and governments of many nations have taken clear stands against God, specifically in moral matters as clearly laid out in His Word. Look at the U.S., where so many things in a relatively short period of time have changed. What was undisputed sin in many cases as become the politically correct ‘normal’ of our day.

The rest of this Psalm clearly shows us that God will not be swayed or intimidated in any way by the attitudes of actions of mankind. Their fate is revealed. He has installed His King to rule forever, fully God and fully human. Charles Stanley references Hebrews 2:14-18 and 4:14-16. They appear below:

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. -Hebrews 2:14-18 (ESV)

4 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)

My prayer is that God will richly bless you as He does me when I study the Psalms and meditate on their meaning.