Psalms 2

1 Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?

Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things?

2 The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed, saying,

The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord and against his Christ.

3 “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.”

Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us.

4 He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.

He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them.

5 Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath:

Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his rage.

6 “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”

But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, preaching his commandment.

7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.

The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.

Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

10 Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling.

12 Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way. When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are all they that trust in him.