Psalms 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I will proclaim the Lord's decree,” says the king. “He told me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become 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, and I will give you the nations as your possessions—the whole earth will belong to you.

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 a rod of iron, smashing them like pottery.’”

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

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

11 Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve the Lord in reverence, celebrate 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.

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.