Psalms 2

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

Therefore did the heathen rage, and the nations imagine vain things?

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

The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers gathered themselves together, against the Lord, and against his Christ;

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

[saying], Let us break through their bonds, and cast away their yoke from us.

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

He that dwells in the heavens shall laugh them to scorn, and the Lord shall mock them.

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

Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his fury.

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

But I have been made king by him on Sion his holy mountain,

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

declaring the ordinance of the Lord: the Lord said to me, You are my Son, today have I begotten you.

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 you the heathen [for] your inheritance, and the ends of the earth [for] your possession.

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

You shall rule them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces as a potter's vessel.

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

Now therefore understand, you kings: be instructed, all you that judge the earth.

11 Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice in him 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.

Accept correction, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you should perish from the righteous way: whenever his wrath shall be suddenly kindled, blessed are all they that trust in him.