Psalms 2

1 Why are the nations plotting rebellion? The peoples devise schemes, but they're pointless.

Why are the nations in turmoil, and why do the peoples make plots that will fail?

2 The kings of the world prepare to attack, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his anointed one, saying,

The kings of the earth take their stand together and the rulers conspire together against Yahweh and against his Messiah, saying,

3 “Let's break the chains and throw away the cords that bind us.”

“Let us tear off the shackles they put on us and throw off their chains.”

4 But the one who sits enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord mocks them.

He who sits in the heavens will sneer at them; the Lord mocks them.

5 He will thunder at them, and terrify them in his fury, saying,

Then he will speak to them in his anger and terrify them in his rage, saying,

6 “It is I who placed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

“I myself have anointed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 “I will proclaim the Lord's decree,” says the king. “He told me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your father.

I will announce a decree of Yahweh. He said to me, “You are my son! This day I have become your father.

8 Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your possessions—the whole earth will belong to you.

Ask me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the farthermost regions of the earth for your possession.

9 You will break them with a rod of iron, smashing them like pottery.’”

You will break them with an iron rod; like a jar of a potter, you will smash them to pieces.”

10 So then you kings, be wise! Be warned, you rulers of the world!

So now, you kings, be warned; be corrected, you rulers of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord in reverence, celebrate with trembling!

Worship Yahweh in fear and rejoice with trembling.

12 Submit to his son so that he will not become angry and you die suddenly. His anger flares up quickly, but how happy are all those who go to him for protection.

Kiss the son or he will be angry with you, and you will die in the way when his anger burns for just a moment. How blessed are all those who seek refuge in him.