The psalmist ponders why the human race rages against God. The leaders of world nations defy God. They want to be their own gods. They view obedience toward the true God as something like slavery.

God’s reaction to the rebelliousness of humankind is to laugh. He mocks the silliness and powerlessness of His creation trying to overthrow Him. But after He is done laughing, God declares that He will establish His own appointed King over the earth, who will rule from Zion—Jerusalem.

God’s anointed ruler tells of how God decreed Him as the authority over the earth. God adopted this Anointed person to be His Son, the One who will rule over the earth as a reward from God. This Anointed Son, Jesus, will rule over the earth with complete authority. Nothing will be in rebellion against Him when He takes His earthly throne.

In light of the fact that God has anointed His Son to rule over the earth, the human authorities would be wise to heed this warning and worship God, rather than rebel against Him. It is to our benefit to submit to God, rather than resist Him. For those who trust in Jesus and bow their lives to Him, we will avoid suffering and loss, and will instead experience blessing and peace from Him.