Psalms 2

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

Why are the nations in an uproar? And why do the peoples mutter in vain?

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 earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His anointed:

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

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

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

He that sitteth in heaven laugheth, the Lord hath them in derision.

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

Then will He speak unto them in His wrath, and affright them in His sore displeasure:

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

'Truly it is I that have established My king upon 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 tell of the decree: the LORD said unto me: 'Thou art My son, this day have I begotten thee.

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

Ask of Me, and I will give the nations for thine inheritance, and the ends of the earth for thy possession.

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

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

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

Now therefore, O ye kings, be wise; be admonished, ye judges of the earth.

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

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice 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.

Do homage in purity, lest He be angry, and ye perish in the way, when suddenly His wrath is kindled. Happy are all they that take refuge in Him.