Psalms 2

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

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

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

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

3 “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.”

to snap their bonds and fling their cords away?

4 He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.

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

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

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

6 “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”

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

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

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

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

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

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

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

10 Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

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

11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

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

12 Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

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