The second chapter of Psalms continues the first. While Psalm 1 is a private question and wonder about the prosperity of the wicked, Psalm 2 raises the same question, this time ‘on the large scale’ about the prosperity of evil nation and wicked forces in the world.

“לָמָּה רָגְשׁוּ גוֹיִם וּלְאֻמִּים יֶהְגּוּ רִיק”

“Why have nations gathered and kingdoms think vain things?”

The Hebrew word the Psalmist uses for ‘gathered’ is not the common one. We would usually say:
“למה נאספו גויים” ,
the term “Ragshu” (רגשו) as appears in our verse means excitement, more like a fuss. Each time there is a different force or nation that wants to diminish the Israeli nation.

Already at the first verse, King David tells us: these thoughts and efforts are in vain, “..think vain things”.

In the verse that follows, we will see the reason for these vain attacks and empty thoughts against the Israeli nation.