Psalms 2

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

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

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

"Let's tear off their shackles, and throw off their ropes from us."

4 He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.

The one who sits in the heavens laughs. The LORD scoffs at them.

5 Then shall he speak to them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

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

6 Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion.

"But I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain."

7 I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to me, You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.

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

8 Ask of me, and I shall give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.

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

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

You shall rule them with an iron scepter. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

10 Be wise now therefore, O you kings: be instructed, you judges of the earth.

Now therefore, you kings, be wise; receive correction, you judges of the earth.

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

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Do homage in purity, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, when his anger is suddenly kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.