Psalms 2

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

Why are the nations in turmoil, and why do the peoples make plots that will fail?

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

The kings of the earth take their stand together and the rulers conspire together against Yahweh and against his Messiah, saying,

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

“Let us tear off the shackles they put on us and throw off their chains.”

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

He who sits in the heavens will sneer at them; the Lord mocks them.

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

Then he will speak to them in his anger and terrify them in his rage, saying,

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

“I myself have anointed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

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

I will announce a decree of Yahweh. He said to me, “You are my son! This day I have become your father.

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

Ask me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the farthermost regions of the earth for your possession.

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

You will break them with an iron rod; like a jar of a potter, you will smash them to pieces.”

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

So now, you kings, be warned; be corrected, you rulers of the earth.

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

Worship Yahweh in fear and rejoice with trembling.

12 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.

Kiss the son or he will be angry with you, and you will die in the way when his anger burns for just a moment. How blessed are all those who seek refuge in him.