Psalm 2

Coronation of the Son

Why(A) do the nations rage(B)
and the peoples plot in vain?(C)
The kings of the earth take their stand,(D)
and the rulers conspire together
against the Lord and his Anointed One:[a](E)
“Let’s tear off their chains
and throw their ropes off of us.”(F)

The one enthroned[b] in heaven laughs;
the Lord ridicules them.(G)
Then he speaks to them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath:(H)
“I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”(I)

I will declare the Lord’s decree.
He said to me, “You are my Son;[c]
today I have become your Father.(J)
Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance
and the ends of the earth your possession.(K)
You will break them with an iron scepter;
you will shatter them like pottery.”(L)

10 So now, kings, be wise;
receive instruction, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with reverential awe
and rejoice with trembling.(M)
12 Pay homage to[d] the Son or he will be angry
and you will perish in your rebellion,[e](N)
for his anger may ignite at any moment.(O)
All who take refuge in him are happy.(P)

Footnotes

  1. 2:2 Or anointed one
  2. 2:4 Lit who sits
  3. 2:7 Or son, also in v. 12
  4. 2:12 Lit Kiss
  5. 2:12 Lit perish in the way

The Reign of the Lord's Anointed

(A)Why do (B)the nations rage[a]
    and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers take counsel together,
    against the Lord and against his (C)Anointed, saying,
“Let us (D)burst their bonds apart
    and cast away their cords from us.”

He who (E)sits in the heavens (F)laughs;
    the Lord holds them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his (G)wrath,
    and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“As for me, I have (H)set my King
    on (I)Zion, my (J)holy hill.”

I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, (K)“You are my Son;
    today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
    and (L)the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall (M)break[b] them with (N)a rod of iron
    and dash them in pieces like (O)a potter's vessel.”

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
    be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 (P)Serve the Lord with (Q)fear,
    and (R)rejoice with (S)trembling.
12 (T)Kiss (U)the Son,
    lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
    for his (V)wrath is quickly kindled.
(W)Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 2:1 Or nations noisily assemble
  2. Psalm 2:9 Revocalization yields (compare Septuagint) You shall rule