Psalms 2

1 Why are the nations so violently moved, and why are the thoughts of the people so foolish?

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

2 The kings of the earth have taken their place, and the rulers are fixed in their purpose, against the Lord, and against the king of his selection, saying,

The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed:

3 Let their chains be broken, and their cords taken from off us.

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

4 Then he whose seat is in the heavens will be laughing: the Lord will make sport of them.

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

5 Then will his angry words come to their ears, and by his wrath they will be troubled:

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

6 But I have put my king on my holy hill of Zion.

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

7 I will make clear the Lord's decision: he has said to me, You are my son, this day have I given you being.

I will tell of the decree. The LORD said to me, "You are my son. Today I have become your father.

8 Make your request to me, and I will give you the nations for your heritage, and the farthest limits of the earth will be under your hand.

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

9 They will be ruled by you with a rod of iron; they will be broken like a potter's vessel.

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

10 So now be wise, you kings: take his teaching, you judges of the earth.

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

11 Give worship to the Lord with fear, kissing his feet and giving him honour,

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 For fear that he may be angry, causing destruction to come on you, because he is quickly moved to wrath. Happy are all those who put their faith in him.

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.