Psalms 2

1 Why are the nations so violently moved, and why are the thoughts of the people so foolish?

Why are the nations plotting rebellion? The peoples devise schemes, but they're pointless.

2 The kings of the earth have taken their place, and the rulers are fixed in their purpose, against the Lord, and against the king of his selection, saying,

The kings of the world prepare to attack, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his anointed one, saying,

3 Let their chains be broken, and their cords taken from off us.

“Let's break the chains and throw away the cords that bind us.”

4 Then he whose seat is in the heavens will be laughing: the Lord will make sport of them.

But the one who sits enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord mocks them.

5 Then will his angry words come to their ears, and by his wrath they will be troubled:

He will thunder at them, and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6 But I have put my king on my holy hill of Zion.

“It is I who placed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will make clear the Lord's decision: he has said to me, You are my son, this day have I given you being.

“I will proclaim the Lord's decree,” says the king. “He told me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your father.

8 Make your request to me, and I will give you the nations for your heritage, and the farthest limits of the earth will be under your hand.

Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your possessions—the whole earth will belong to you.

9 They will be ruled by you with a rod of iron; they will be broken like a potter's vessel.

You will break them with a rod of iron, smashing them like pottery.’”

10 So now be wise, you kings: take his teaching, you judges of the earth.

So then you kings, be wise! Be warned, you rulers of the world!

11 Give worship to the Lord with fear, kissing his feet and giving him honour,

Serve the Lord in reverence, celebrate with trembling!

12 For fear that he may be angry, causing destruction to come on you, because he is quickly moved to wrath. Happy are all those who put their faith in him.

Submit to his son so that he will not become angry and you die suddenly. His anger flares up quickly, but how happy are all those who go to him for protection.