Psalms 2
1 Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot in vain?
Why are the nations plotting rebellion? The peoples devise schemes, but they're pointless.
2 The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed:
The kings of the world prepare to attack, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his anointed one, saying,
3 "Let's tear off their shackles, and throw off their ropes from us."
“Let's break the chains and throw away the cords that bind us.”
4 The one who sits in the heavens laughs. The LORD scoffs at them.
But the one who sits enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord mocks them.
5 Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath:
He will thunder at them, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 "But I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain."
“It is I who placed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
7 I will tell of the decree. The LORD said to me, "You are my son. Today I have become your father.
“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 will give the nations as your inheritance, and the farthest 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 rule them with an iron scepter. 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 Now therefore, you kings, be wise; receive correction, 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 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.
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.
