Psalms 2

1 (Why do the [leaders of] nations rage [against God]?/It is foolish for the nations to be angry [with God]) [RHQ]. (Why do people plan to rebel [against God] even though it is in vain?/It is useless for people to plan to rebel [against God]) [RHQ]!

2 The kings of the nations prepare to revolt; the rulers plot together [to fight] against Yahweh and against his chosen king.

3 They shout, “We should free ourselves from their control [MET]; we should not let them rule over us any longer!”

4 But Yahweh, the one who sits [on his throne] in heaven, laughs [at them]; he ridicules those rulers.

5 Then, because he is angry with them, he rebukes them. He causes them to be terrified when [they realize] that he will furiously punish them.

6 [Yahweh says], “I have installed my king on Zion, my sacred hill [in Jerusalem].”

7 [And his king says], “I will proclaim what Yahweh has decreed. He said to me, ‘[It is as though] you are my son; today I have declared to everyone that [it is as though] [MET] I am your father.

8 Ask me to give you the nations, so that they belong to you [to rule over them permanently], and I will give them to you. [Even] the most remote nations will be yours.

9 You will defeat them completely [MET]; you will [destroy them like people] smash a clay pot with an iron rod [SIM].’”

10 So then, you kings and other rulers on the earth, act wisely! [Heed what Yahweh is] warning you!

11 Serve Yahweh, fervently revering him; Rejoice [about what he has done for you], but tremble before him!

12 Bow down humbly before his son! If you do not do that, Yahweh will be angry, and he will suddenly get rid of you. Do not forget that he can very quickly show that he is very angry! But he is very pleased with all those who request him to protect them [MET].