Psalms 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I myself have anointed 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 announce a decree of Yahweh. He said to me, “You are my son! This day 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 for your inheritance and the farthermost regions of the earth for your possession.

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

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

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

11 Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Worship Yahweh in fear and rejoice 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.

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.