The Divinity of the Messiah: Psalm 2
To the Hebrew, who awaited the advent of the long promised Messiah, the realization that their Anointed One or Messiah (Hebrew, Mashiyach) was more than merely a man can be seen from Psalm 2:
"1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the Earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed
[Hebrew, mashiyach, Anointed One, i.e., Messiah], saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us"
(Psalm 2:1-3).
Hebrew Affirmation: The "heathen" are the Goyim or Gentile nations. Israel's non-Hebrew neighbours have so often allied themselves against Israel; but, even more, the hatred of the heathen against the Almighty is demonstrated by their open rebellion against His Law, which the heathen view as only overly restrictive bonds and cords-- fit only to be broken.
"2 For, lo, Thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate Thee have lifted up the head.
3 They have taken crafty counsel against Thy people, and consulted against Thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against Thee:
6 the tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah" (Psalm 83:2-8).