Lines a and b appear to repeat verse 1. However, there is a movement taking place between them. In verse 1 those who conspire are a general category, “nations, people.” In verse 2 the movement is toward the more specific, kings of the earth and rulers. The same sort of movement from the general to the more specific can be seen in the verbs of the two verses. Verse 2 ends by saying whom the conspiracies are against. The translator should determine to what extent he is able to represent this narrowing-down process. It may not be possible at all, due to the need to use more specific descriptive terms in verse 1, and the need to state in verse 1 that it is the LORD and his anointed who are the object of the plotting. However, the translator should make it clear that the kings and rulers of verse 2 are the same persons as in verse 1. Good News Translation has done this with “Their kings … their rulers.”
This verse describes the rulers of the pagan nations of verse 1. There is no difference in meaning here between The kings of the earth and the rulers; both refer to the leaders of the pagan nations of verse 1. The phrase of the earth may indicate a certain contempt for those rulers; they are no more than earthly kings, compared with the king of Israel, whose authority comes from God (see the contrast between them in 89.27).
The two verbs translated set themselves and take counsel together describe how the pagan rulers plot to cooperate in their rebellion against Yahweh and the king of Israel. The English phrase set themselves is not very clear, and the meaning is more clearly expressed by “take their stand” or “stand ready.” Bible en français courant takes the Hebrew verb to mean “prepare themselves for combat,” which fits in nicely in the context.
Anointed translates the verbal noun mashiah “anointed one,” from which comes the word “Messiah.” The word reflects the custom of setting apart a person chosen for high office by pouring olive oil on him (see Judges 9.8 and 1 Sam 9.16 for the anointing of kings; and see Lev 8.12 and Num 3.3 for the anointing of priests). Here it means the king, whose anointing indicated that he was the one chosen by God to be the king of Israel. Rebellion against the chosen king of Israel was rebellion against the God of Israel.
His anointed may best be expressed in translation as “The king whom God has chosen” or “The king whom God has appointed.” Because of its Christian connotation the word “Messiah” should not be used here.
Verses 1-2 are quoted in Acts 4.25-26.
Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .