Psalms 2:4
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Original Language Analysis
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
He that sitteth
H3427
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
He that sitteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם
in the heavens
H8064
בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם
in the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
2 of 6
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
יִשְׂחָ֑ק
shall laugh
H7832
יִשְׂחָ֑ק
shall laugh
Strong's:
H7832
Word #:
3 of 6
to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play
Cross References
Psalms 37:13The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.Psalms 59:8But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.Isaiah 40:22It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:Proverbs 1:26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;Psalms 11:4The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Psalms 53:5There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.Psalms 115:3But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.Psalms 68:33To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
Historical Context
Written during David's reign when Israel's enemies constantly threatened God's anointed king. The phrase 'sitteth in the heavens' emphasizes God's transcendence over earthly powers. This psalm was later understood messianically, pointing to Christ's ultimate victory over all opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereign laughter over human rebellion comfort you when facing opposition to your faith?
- What earthly powers or concerns are you tempted to fear more than you trust in God's sovereign control?
Analysis & Commentary
God's response to human rebellion is not anxiety but divine laughter - not cruel mockery, but the sovereign confidence of one whose plans cannot be thwarted. The Hebrew 'sachaq' (laugh) and 'la'ag' (derision) emphasize God's complete transcendence over earthly schemes. This anthropomorphic language portrays God's absolute sovereignty: He sits enthroned in heaven while nations rage below. This truth provides immense comfort to believers facing persecution, knowing that our God reigns unshaken above all earthly turmoil.