Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth In contrast to -my king," Psalms 2:6. Cp. the use of the phrase in striking contexts, Psalms 76:12; Psalms 89:27; Psalms 102:15; Psalms 138:4; Psalms 148:11; Isaiah 24:21.

set themselves The tenses of the original in Psalms 2:1 give a vividness and variety to the picture which can hardly be reproduced in translation. Rageand take counselare perfects, representing the throng as already gathered, and the chiefs seated in divan together: imagineand setthemselvesare imperfects (the graphic, pictorial tense of Hebrew poetry), representing their plot in process of development. The rapid lively rhythm moreover well suggests the stir and tumult of the gathering host.

against the Lord They would not deny that in making war upon Israel they were making war upon Israel's God (2 Kings 18:32 ff.); but they little knew Whom they were defying (2 Kings 19:22 ff.).