Psalms 2

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

Wherefore have nations assembled in tumult? Or should, peoples, mutter an empty 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 earth take their station, and, grave men, have met by appointment together, —against Yahweh, and against his Anointed One [saying]:

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

Let us break asunder their bonds, —and cast from us their cords!

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

He that sitteth in the heavens, will laugh, —My Lord, will mock at them:

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 wrath, confound them:

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

Yet, I, have installed 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.

Let me tell of a decree, —Yahweh, hath said unto me, My son, thou art, I, to-day, have 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 of me, and let me give nations as thine inheritance, and, as thy possession, the 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 shepherd them with a sceptre of iron, —as 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.

Now, therefore, ye kings, show your prudence, Be admonished, ye judges of earth:

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

Serve Yahweh with reverence, and exult 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.

Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish by the way, for soon might be kindled his anger, —How happy are all who seek refuge in him!