Psalms 2

1 Why this turmoil of nations, this futile plotting of peoples,

2 with kings of the earth conspiring, and rulers consulting together, against the Lord and against his anointed,

3 to snap their bonds and fling their cords away?

4 He whose throne is in heaven laughs, the Lord mocks them.

5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, and in his hot anger confounds them.

6 ‘This my king is installed by me, on Zion my holy mountain.’

7 I will tell of the Lord’s decree. He said to me: ‘You are my son, this day I became your father.

8 Only ask, and I make you the heir of the nations, and lord of the world to its utmost bounds.

9 You will break them with sceptre of iron, shatter them like pottery.’

10 So now, you kings, be wise: be warned, you rulers of earth.

11 Serve the Lord in awe, kiss his feet with trembling,

12 lest, angry, he hurl you to ruin; for soon will his fury blaze. Happy all who take refuge in him.