At times the world seems to be filled with people plotting evil things. Vengeance. Terror. Power grabs. Destruction. Death. Slaughtering the innocent. Slandering the righteous. Bombing the religious. Spinning the truth. Stealing the wealth.
The weak, the innocent, the humble, the righteous, the good, the kind, the honest, the poor, the well-meaning person can feel helplessly smothered by the tangled web of intrigue. Whether the plotting is in the world at large, churches, schools, businesses, communities or in our own families, how can we stand up against such powerful, well-thought-out schemes and manipulations?
When the psalmist felt that same helplessness, instead of wringing his hands and rolling his eyes, he looked to God in prayer. This is the reassuring answer God gave to him …
Read Psalm 2
I. God Sees Conspirators Psalm 2:1-3
Their Conniving, 2:1
Give phrases from the following verses that reassure us that God sees, even behind closed doors: Genesis 6:5; 11:1-5; 18:20-21; Job 12:21-23; Psalm 139:11-12; Isaiah 29:13-16; John 2:25.
What conspiracies are you aware of today?
What comfort or encouragement do you receive from knowing God sees? Psalm 37:7-11.
Their Coalition, 2:2
What phrase in Psalm 2:2 indicates the conspirators were united?
Who were they conspiring against?
How was this rebellious coalition evident at the beginning of human history? Genesis 2:15-3:7; 6:11-12; 11:1-9.
How is this coalition evident at the end of human history? Revelation 19:11-21.
What was the final outcome of the rebellious coalition in each of the Genesis passages above?
What is the final outcome of evil conspiracy, even when it involves a majority? Psalm 1:4-6; Proverbs 11:23; 16:4; Isaiah 13:11; Revelation 20:7-15.
Is there safety from God’s judgment in numbers?
What encouragement do you receive from Psalm 37:1-2?
Their Contempt, 2:3
Whose chains and fetters are the rebellious referring to? Psalm 2:1-3.
Whom do you know who says God is too strict, is contemptuous of God’s moral law and principles for living, and says real freedom is doing whatever you want to do, regardless of what God says?
Where is real freedom found? John 8:32, 36; 2 Corinthians 3:17.
II. God Scoffs at Conspirators Psalm 2:4-6
What is God’s response to the rebellious and conspirators? Psalm 2:4.
Why does God laugh at the conspirators? Psalm 37:12-13.
Do you think God’s laughter is a pleasant sound?
Does God’s laughter indicate He doesn’t take the conspiracy seriously? Psalm 2:5.
What does He do in response to the conspiracy against Him? Psalm 2:6.
Who is the King? Revelation 5:6, 13; 15:2-4; 17:14; 19:13, 16.
What details do Zechariah 14:1-9 give of the installation of the King?
While the installation is glorious to His followers, why do you think it is terrifying to the conspirators? Psalm 2:5.
III. God Speaks To Conspirators Psalm 2:7-12
He Exalts His Son, 2:7-9
Give phrases from Psalm 2:6-7 that indicate God is speaking of Jesus.
How is this affirmed by the Apostle Paul? Acts 13:32-33.
Give phrases from the following verses that help explain the title “Son of God”: Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1-3, 14, 18; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15-18.
How is Jesus exalted in: John 3:16? Acts 4:12? Ephesians 1:18-23? Philippians 2:5-11?
He Exhorts the Schemers, 2:10-12
From Psalm 2:10-12, list five or more things God exhorts the conspirators to do.
From the following verses, give phrases that apply to one or more of these exhortations: Psalm 100:1-5; Romans 12:1; Proverbs 2:6; Deuteronomy 28:15-19; Matthew 2:2; 1 Chronicles 16:8-11, 31; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Proverbs 9:10-12; Matthew 12:36-37; Joshua 24:14-15.
Surrounded by the intrigue of conspirators and schemers, on what positive note does the psalmist end?
What phrases are particularly encouraging to you from Psalm 46? Psalm 91? Psalm 37?
Many people believe that Psalm 2 is prophetic in nature, as it seems to describe the last days before the return of Jesus Christ. Whether or not that is accurate, I do know that conspiracy against God and His people is not just a theory. There seems to be an increasing number of people and nations in our world today plotting unspeakable evil against the living God and those who have put their faith in His Son, Jesus. But be encouraged. The One who sits in the heavens laughs—their conspiracy against Him is like chaff that the wind will blow away. So … “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). ©2025 Anne Graham Lotz
The Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version.
This study is adapted from one published in June 2017.
Anne Graham Lotz has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 40 years. Her newest book, which she co-authored with her daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright, is Preparing to Meet Jesus—Moving From Salvation to Transformation. It can be ordered from major booksellers online.