1 Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The writer is curious: why are these people upset? He says they are wasting their time planning what they are planning…

 1 

Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

The writer is curious: why are these people upset? He says they are wasting their time planning what they are planning

2 

The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.

They are going against the Lord (of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—their bloodline) and his anointed one (whether that be his current appointed king—or the name of one that lives forever—or the king from Nazareth, Jesus the Christ. 

3 

“Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

So they—the nations—are seeing God as someone to get away from. They are hostile to this God of Jacob. This God is not their God. He hasn’t spoken to them the way he has with His son, Jacob (Israel). They see it as God is their suppressor. God is dictating their lives like a master. They want God gone. 

4 

But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The Lord scoffs at them.

But God thinks that is funny. They can’t be rid of God. His presence and name is inescapable. Even amongst other belief systems, the God of Jacob must be held to them and comes out as the only one, according to God’s own testimony. 

God thinks these people’s plans are ridiculous. 

5 

Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury.

God is angered or greatly bothered and he rebukes them…I am not quite sure how to take this. They are terrified of his fierce fury: how was that shown? What is God’s rebuke?

6 

For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
    in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

Pretty evident: God is saying that the king he appointed is in Jerusalem on his holy mountain—what is the holy mountain of God?

7 

The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.
    Today I have become your Father.

The king is letting us know that God told him that the King is God’s son—from God and/or of God—and God is his father: life-giver, protector, etc. 

8 

Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
    the whole earth as your possession.

Like a great father, God will give all people into the hands of his son, the king.

9 

You will break them with an iron rod
    and smash them like clay pots.’”

God is assuring his son that his son will humble them and stand over them—be in a position to damage them. 

10 

Now then, you kings, act wisely!
    Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

The writer is offering a warning to the other rulers who are not God’s son—the king God appointed…

11 

Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.

He is suggesting that it is in the rulers’ best interests to serve God with respect, fear/honor, and with intention—care, etc. 

12 

Submit to God’s royal son,or he will become angry,
    and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
    But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

The writer is telling them to submit or listen to God’s son or he will become upset and with his power from his father, he will destroy them—but those who seek him for protection, because of who he is and his power, how happy they are—who can ultimately harm them?