Psalms 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I will proclaim the Lord's decree,” says the king. “He told 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 me, and I will give you the nations as your possessions—the whole earth will belong to you.

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

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

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

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

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

Serve the Lord in reverence, celebrate with trembling!

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