Psalm 2
1 Warum toben die Völker, und sinnen die Nationen Vergebliches?
(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 Die Könige der Erde treten auf, und die Fürsten ratschlagen miteinanderwider Jahwe und seinen Gesalbten.
The kings of the nations prepare to revolt; the rulers plot together [to fight] against Yahweh and against his chosen king.
3 “Laßt uns ihre Fesseln zerreißen und ihre Stricke von uns werfen!”
They shout, “We should free ourselves from their control [MET]; we should not let them rule over us any longer!”
4 Der im Himmel thronet, lacht; der Herr spottet ihrer.
But Yahweh, the one who sits [on his throne] in heaven, laughs [at them]; he ridicules those rulers.
5 Dann redet er zu ihnen in seinem Zorn und in seinem Grimme schreckt er sie.
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 “Habe doch ich meinen König eingesetzt auf dem Zion, meinem Heiligen Berge!”
[Yahweh says], “I have installed my king on Zion, my sacred hill [in Jerusalem].”
7 Laßt mich Kunde geben von einem Beschluß: Jahwe sprach zu mir: Du bist mein Sohn; ich habe dich heute gezeugt!
[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 Heische von mir, so will ich dir die Völker zum Erbe geben und die Enden der Erde zum Eigentum!
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 Mit eisernem Stabe magst du sie zerschmettern, wie Töpfergefäß sie zertrümmern.
You will defeat them completely [MET]; you will [destroy them like people] smash a clay pot with an iron rod [SIM].’”
10 Nun denn, ihr Könige, handelt klug! Laßt euch warnen, ihr Richter auf Erden!
So then, you kings and other rulers on the earth, act wisely! [Heed what Yahweh is] warning you!
11 Dienet Jahwe voll Furcht und jubelt unter Zittern.
Serve Yahweh, fervently revering him; Rejoice [about what he has done for you], but tremble before him!
12 Küsset den Sohn, damit er nicht zürne, und euer Weg euch ins Verderben führt. Denn leicht könnte sein Zorn entbrennen; wohl allen, die bei ihm Zuflucht suchen!
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].
