Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire[a]
    and the peoples plot(A) in vain?
The kings(B) of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed,(C) saying,
“Let us break their chains(D)
    and throw off their shackles.”(E)

The One enthroned(F) in heaven laughs;(G)
    the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger(H)
    and terrifies them in his wrath,(I) saying,
“I have installed my king(J)
    on Zion,(K) my holy mountain.(L)

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;(M)
    today I have become your father.(N)
Ask me,
    and I will make the nations(O) your inheritance,(P)
    the ends of the earth(Q) your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron[b];(R)
    you will dash them to pieces(S) like pottery.(T)

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;(U)
    be warned, you rulers(V) of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear(W)
    and celebrate his rule(X) with trembling.(Y)
12 Kiss his son,(Z) or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath(AA) can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed(AB) are all who take refuge(AC) in him.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 2:1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage
  2. Psalm 2:9 Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac)

Why do the nations plan evil together?
    Why do they make useless plans?
The kings of the earth rise up against the Lord.
    The rulers of the earth join together against his anointed king.
“Let us break free from their chains,” they say.
    “Let us throw off their ropes.”

The God who sits on his throne in heaven laughs.
    The Lord makes fun of those rulers and their plans.
When he is angry, he warns them.
    When his anger blazes out, he terrifies them.
He says to them,
    “I have placed my king on my holy mountain of Zion.”

I will announce what the Lord has promised.

He said to me, “You are my son.
    Today I have become your father.
Ask me, and I will give the nations to you.
    All nations on earth will belong to you.
You will break them with an iron scepter.
    You will smash them to pieces like clay pots.”

10 Kings, be wise!
    Rulers of the earth, be warned!
11 Serve the Lord and have respect for him.
    Celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Obey the son completely, or he will be angry.
    Your way of life will lead to your death.
His anger can blaze out at any moment.
    Blessed are all those who go to him for safety.