2:1 heathen rage. “Heathen” is the same as “nations,” and “rage” connotes “assemble tumultuously.” The picture is one of a great convocation of leaders from many nations, gathered together to plan a united rebellion against God.

2:1 vain thing. Compare Romans 1:21, “became vain in their imaginations.”

2:2 the rulers. Although the specific wording applies to political leaders, the principle can be applied to leaders in education or business or any other influential body in society.

2:2 take counsel together. There have been many precursive fulfillments of this prophecy from Nimrod’s first council meeting against God (Genesis 11:4) to the Sanhedrin’s plot with Romans against Christ (Acts 4:25-28) to the modern United Nations counseling together to seek a humanistic world government. The ultimate fulfillment will be at the end of the age (Revelation 16:14; 20:8).

2:2 against his anointed. “Anointed” is Messiah, the Hebrew equivalent of “Christ” in Greek. The rebellion is against the Lord and His Christ, the Creator and Savior.