Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Wesley's Notes

2:6 Yet - Notwithstanding all their artifices and combinations. My king - Who ruleth in my stead, and according to my will, and for my glory. Zion - Over my church and people. Zion strictly taken, was an hill on the north part of Jerusalem, where there was a strong fort, called the city of David, but in a more large sense it is put for the city of Jerusalem, for the temple of Jerusalem, built upon the hill of Moriah, which was either a part of mount Sion, or adjoining to it; for the church of the Jews, and for the Christian church.

King James Translators' Notes

set: Heb. anointed

upon...: Heb. upon Zion, the hill of my holiness

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] king

The second Psalm gives the order of the establishment of the kingdom. It is in six parts:

(1) The rage of the Gentiles, the vain imagination of "people" (Jews), and the antagonism of rulers against Jehovah's anointed Ps 2:1-3. The inspired interpretation of this is in Acts 4:25-28 which asserts its fulfilment in the crucifixion of Christ.

(2) The derision of Jehovah Ps 2:4 that men should suppose it possible to set aside His covenant 2Sam 7:8-17 and oath Ps 89:34-37.

(3) The vexation Ps 2:5 fulfilled, first in the destruction of Jerusalem, A.D. 70; and in the final dispersion of the Jews at that time; and to be fulfilled more completely in the tribulation Mt 24:29 which immediately precedes the return of the King. Mt 24:30.

(4) The establishment of the rejected King upon Zion Ps 2:6.

(5) The subjection of the earth to the King's rule Ps 2:7-9 and

(6) the present appeal to the world powers. Ps 2:10-12. See Psalm 8., next in order of the Messianic Psalms. (Note. Psalms 2. 8. 16. 22. 23. 24. 40. 41. 45. 68. 69. 72. 89. 102. 110. and 118. are considered as Messianic. It is not questioned that many other Psalms also refer to Christ.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

6. The purpose here declared, in its execution, involves their overthrow.

Yet-literally, "and," in an adversative sense.

I have set-anointed, or firmly placed, with allusion in the Hebrew to "casting an image in a mould." The sense is not materially varied in either case.

my king-appointed by Me and for Me (Nu 27:18).

upon my holy hill of Zion-Zion, selected by David as the abode of the ark and the seat of God's visible residence (1Ki 8:1); as also David, the head of the Church and nation, and type of Christ, was called holy, and the Church itself came to be thus named (Ps 9:11; 51:18; 99:2; Isa 8:18; 18:7, &c.).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:1-6 We are here told who would appear as adversaries to Christ. As this world is the kingdom of Satan, unconverted men, of every rank, party, and character, are stirred up by him to oppose the cause of God. But the rulers of the earth generally have been most active. The truths and precepts of Christianity are against ambitious projects and worldly lusts. We are told what they aim at in this opposition. They would break asunder the bands of conscience, and the cords of God's commandments; they will not receive, but cast them away as far as they can. These enemies can show no good cause for opposing so just and holy a government, which, if received by all, would bring a heaven upon earth. They can hope for no success in so opposing so powerful a kingdom. The Lord Jesus has all power both in heaven and in earth, and is Head over all things to the church, notwithstanding the restless endeavours of his enemies. Christ's throne is set up in his church, that is, in the hearts of all believers.