Psalms 2

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

(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 earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed, saying,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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].