English Basic Explanation - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The second chapter of Tehillim appears to have been composed after King David's successful campaign against Benei Yisrael's enemies, when the nation had triumphed over the surrounding peoples and established itself as the leading power in the region.

David describes with derision the musings of the surrounding nations who seek to relieve themselves of the yoke of his reign and reassert their power and dominion.  The Almighty responds to these plans with "laughter" and scorn; how ludicrous it is for the enemy nations to plan Israel's destruction after the Almighty has given David His guarantee of power and protection!

This Psalm aptly concludes with the words, "Ashrei Kol Chosei Vo" – "Fortunate are those who take refuge in Him."  Those who trust in the path that the Almighty has charted, rather than seek to divert that path, are truly fortunate.  David admonishes the nations of the world to acknowledge and accept the role God has assigned to Benei Yisrael, rather than resisting this destiny and trying fruitlessly to destroy them.  Am Yisrael's enemies are advised to "take refuge" in the will of God, rather than opposing that will in the hope of asserting their power through their own efforts.

While this Psalm is directed primarily towards the nations of the world, its lesson – like that of all Tehillim – bears critical relevance to the Jewish people, as well.  We, too, must ensure to "take refuge" only in God, rather than trying to chart our own paths to success.  The Torah has promised that Mitzva observance will earn us the Almighty's blessing and protection, that obeying His laws is the greatest fortune man can achieve.  Any attempt to chart a different course to success is met with the "laughter" of God and is doomed to failure.  Just as our enemies are bidden to accept our God-given destiny rather than resist it, so are we enjoined to accept this role and meet its demands, rather than search for other means of protection and prosperity.