Psalms 2

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

Wherefore do nations rage, and people meditate a vain thing?

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 earth raise themselves up, and rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed:

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

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

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

He who dwelleth in the heavens will laugh: the Lord will hold them in derision.

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

Then will he speak unto them in his anger, and in his displeasure will he terrify them.

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

[Saying, ] Yet have I appointed my king upon Zion my holy mount.

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 announce the decree, the Lord hath said unto me, “My son art thou: I have indeed this day begotten thee.

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 it of me, and I will give thee nations for an inheritance, and for thy possession the uttermost ends of the earth.

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

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; like a potter's vessel shalt thou dash them in pieces.”

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

And now, O ye kings, be wise: take warning, ye judges of the earth.

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

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice 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.

Do homage to the son, lest he be angry, and ye be lost on the way; for his wrath is so speedily kindled. Happy are all they that put their trust in him.