Psalms 2:3

KJV

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let us break {H5423} their bands {H4147} asunder {H5423}, and cast away {H7993} their cords {H5688} from us.

Complete Jewish Bible

They cry, "Let's break their fetters! Let's throw off their chains!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”

American Standard Version

Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 2:3 captures the defiant declaration of earthly kings and rulers who conspire in futility against the sovereign Lord and His Anointed King, the Messiah. This verse articulates their rebellious intent to reject divine authority, viewing God's righteous decrees and the Messiah's rightful rule as burdensome restraints from which they seek to liberate themselves, setting the stage for God's powerful and ultimately victorious response.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 2:3 is the direct articulation of the rebellious intent introduced in the preceding verses. Psalms 2 opens with a rhetorical question in [Psalms 2:1](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1 - The Nations Rage"), asking why the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain. [Psalms 2:2](/psalms/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - Kings Conspire") then identifies the specific actors: "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed." Verse 3, therefore, provides the very words of their conspiracy, revealing their shared agenda to dismantle God's perceived control. This defiant pronouncement immediately precedes God's scornful laughter and subsequent decree in [Psalms 2:4-6](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4-6 - God's Response to Rebellion"), establishing a dramatic contrast between human rebellion and divine sovereignty. The psalm then moves into the Messiah's declaration and a final call to wisdom, making verse 3 a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of divine kingship versus human rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalms 2 is often seen as a messianic psalm with eschatological implications, it likely has roots in the historical context of a Davidic king's enthronement or a significant military victory where surrounding nations might have resisted Israel's God-given dominion. In the ancient Near East, kingship was often understood as divinely appointed, but independent nations frequently chafed under the suzerainty of a dominant power, especially one claiming universal authority from its deity. The imagery of "bands" and "cords" evokes the binding nature of treaties, yokes of servitude, or even the reins used to control animals, all of which represent submission to a superior power. The rulers' desire to "break" and "cast away" these restraints reflects a universal human impulse for autonomy, amplified in a geopolitical context where national identity and sovereignty were paramount. This resistance to divine authority, whether directly from God or through His chosen earthly representative, was a recurring theme in Israel's history and the broader ancient world.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 2:3 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Human Rebellion Against Divine Authority**. The rulers' explicit rejection of God's "bands" and "cords" underscores humanity's inherent tendency to resist God's rightful rule, viewing His laws and decrees as oppressive rather than protective. This echoes the original rebellion in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") and continues throughout biblical history. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Futility of Opposition to God's Plan**. While the verse expresses defiance, the immediate context of the psalm (especially [Psalms 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at Rebellion")) quickly demonstrates that such human efforts are ultimately vain and laughable in the face of God's omnipotence. This theme is crucial for understanding God's ultimate triumph. Thirdly, the verse implicitly points to the **Sovereignty of God and His Anointed King**. The very existence of "bands" and "cords" implies an existing authority that the rebels seek to overthrow, thus affirming God's established reign and the destined kingship of His Messiah, a truth powerfully declared in [Psalms 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's Anointed King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bands (Hebrew, _mōsrōṯ_):** Derived from a root meaning "to bind" or "to discipline," this word refers to bonds, fetters, or yokes. In this context, it metaphorically represents the legal, moral, and governmental authority, laws, and decrees that God exercises over humanity and nations. The rulers perceive these divine ordinances not as benevolent guidance or protective boundaries, but as restrictive chains that limit their freedom and autonomy.
* **Cords (Hebrew, _ʿăḇōṭīm_):** This term also denotes ropes, bands, or thick cords, often used for binding or tying. It reinforces the imagery of the "bands," emphasizing the perceived oppressive nature of God's rule. Together, "bands" and "cords" symbolize the comprehensive and inescapable nature of divine sovereignty, which the rebellious kings desperately seek to break free from.
* **Break asunder (Hebrew, _nənaṯṭēq_):** This verb means "to tear apart," "to break off," or "to snap." It conveys a violent and decisive act of destruction, indicating the rulers' intention to utterly dismantle and nullify God's authority. It's not a gentle loosening but a forceful, defiant severance of ties.
* **Cast away (Hebrew, _našlîḵā_):** Meaning "to throw off," "to cast down," or "to reject," this verb complements "break asunder" by emphasizing the deliberate and contemptuous rejection of God's rule. It implies a desire to completely rid themselves of any obligation or submission to divine governance, asserting their absolute independence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let us break their bands asunder":** This clause reveals the active, collective intent of the conspiring kings and rulers. The plural "us" signifies their unified rebellion. The "bands" refer to the perceived restraints of divine law, decree, and the authority of the Lord and His Anointed King. Their desire to "break them asunder" speaks to a violent, decisive act of severing these ties, a declaration of war against God's established order. They view God's righteous rule as an oppressive yoke from which they must be liberated.
* **"and cast away their cords from us":** This parallel clause reinforces and intensifies the rebellious declaration. The "cords" are synonymous with the "bands," further emphasizing the binding nature of divine authority. To "cast them away" signifies a complete and contemptuous rejection of God's dominion. It is a declaration of absolute autonomy, a refusal to acknowledge any higher power or submit to any divine governance over their earthly affairs. This phrase encapsulates the humanistic desire for self-rule, independent of God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 2:3 employs powerful **Metaphor** and **Parallelism** to convey the rebellious intent of the earthly kings. The terms "bands" and "cords" are potent metaphors for the divine authority, laws, and decrees that the Lord and His Messiah impose. These are not literal physical restraints but represent the moral, legal, and governmental sovereignty of God. The imagery evokes the binding nature of a yoke or shackles, portraying God's rule as burdensome and restrictive from the perspective of the rebellious rulers. The use of **Synonymous Parallelism** in "Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us" reinforces the singular, defiant purpose of the kings. Both clauses express the same core idea of rejecting divine authority, with the second clause intensifying the first, creating a strong, unified declaration of rebellion. This parallelism emphasizes the deliberate and comprehensive nature of their rejection. The verse also utilizes **Anthropomorphism** by attributing human actions and intentions (breaking, casting away) to the collective will of the nations against a divine entity, highlighting the audacity of their defiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 2:3 stands as a stark testament to humanity's persistent rebellion against God's sovereign rule, a theme woven throughout salvation history. It reflects the inherent human desire for autonomy, a longing to be free from any external authority, especially divine. This defiance, however, is ultimately futile, as the psalm immediately demonstrates God's unshakeable resolve to establish His Anointed King. The "bands" and "cords" are not instruments of oppression but symbols of divine order and righteous governance, designed for humanity's true flourishing. To reject them is to reject the very framework of peace and justice. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation between human pride and divine power, ultimately affirming God's unwavering control over the affairs of nations and His ultimate triumph through His Messiah.

* [Psalms 119:45](/psalms/119-45 "Psalm 119:45 - Walking in Freedom")
* [Jeremiah 5:5](/jeremiah/5-5 "Jeremiah 5:5 - Breaking the Yoke")
* [Acts 4:25-28](/acts/4-25 "Acts 4:25-28 - Fulfillment of Psalm 2")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 2:3 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting not only ancient geopolitical struggles but also the ongoing spiritual battle within every human heart and society. The "bands" and "cords" represent God's righteous standards, His moral law, and the benevolent authority of His Son. When we, individually or collectively, perceive these as burdensome restrictions rather than loving guidance, we echo the rebellious cry of the kings. True freedom is not found in casting off divine authority, but in embracing it, recognizing that God's "yoke is easy and His burden is light" ([Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke")). This verse calls us to examine where we might be resisting God's will in our lives, in our families, or in our communities. It reminds us that while human defiance is a constant reality, God's sovereignty remains absolute, and His kingdom will ultimately prevail. Our allegiance must be to Christ's kingship, finding refuge and true liberty in His benevolent reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you perceive God's commands or guidance as "bands" or "cords" that you wish to break free from?**
* **How does the world around you, or even your own heart, exhibit the desire for autonomy and self-rule apart from God's authority?**
* **What does it mean to "take refuge in the Son" ([Psalms 2:12](/psalms/2-12 "Psalm 2:12 - Trust in the Son")) in the face of widespread rebellion against God?**

### FAQ
**What are the "bands" and "cords" referring to in Psalms 2:3?**

Answer: The "bands" (Hebrew: *mōsrōṯ*) and "cords" (Hebrew: *ʿăḇōṭīm*) are powerful metaphors for the divine authority, laws, decrees, and sovereign rule of the Lord and His Anointed King, the Messiah. They represent the moral, legal, and governmental restraints and obligations that God imposes on humanity and nations. From the perspective of the rebellious kings, these are not benevolent guidelines but restrictive bonds, like a yoke or chains, from which they desperately seek liberation. They symbolize God's established order and His rightful claim to universal dominion, which the kings defiantly reject.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 2:3 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Anointed One" against whom the nations conspire is none other than the Messiah, Jesus, whose divine kingship was met with precisely this kind of rebellion. The cry of "Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us" was echoed in the historical rejection of Jesus by both Jewish and Gentile authorities. Pontius Pilate, King Herod, the Jewish leaders, and the Roman soldiers all "took counsel together against the Lord and against his Anointed" ([Acts 4:25-28](/acts/4-25 "Acts 4:25-28 - Psalm 2 Quoted in Acts")) in crucifying Him. Yet, their rebellion, far from thwarting God's plan, actually served to fulfill it, leading to the ultimate triumph of the cross and resurrection. Jesus, the true King, was not overthrown but enthroned at God's right hand ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation")). The "bands" and "cords" of God's righteous rule, which humanity seeks to cast off, are perfectly embodied in Christ's benevolent reign. He offers true freedom not through rebellion, but through submission to His light yoke and easy burden ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me")). Ultimately, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Lordship")), demonstrating the utter futility of the rebellion articulated in Psalms 2:3 and the glorious, inevitable triumph of God's Anointed King.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 5:5

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds.

Luke 19:14

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.

Luke 19:27

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me.

1 Peter 2:7

Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

1 Peter 2:8

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.