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 Messiah’s Reign

Why are nations in tumult,
and countries plotting[a] in vain?[b]
The kings of the earth establish themselves,
and the rulers conspire[c] together
against Yahweh and his anointed:
“Let us tear off their bonds,
and cast their cords from us!”
He who sits enthroned in the heavens laughs.
The Lord derides them.
Then he speaks to them in his wrath,
and in his fury he terrifies them:
“But as for me, I have set my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”
I will tell the decree;
Yahweh said to me:
“You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask from me and I will make the nations your heritage,
and your possession the ends of the earth.
You will break them with an iron rod.
Like a potter’s vessel you will shatter them.”
10 So then, O kings, be wise.
Be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve Yahweh with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son
lest he be angry and you perish on the way,
for his anger burns quickly.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 2:1 Or “muttering”
  2. Psalm 2:1 Or “an empty thing”
  3. Psalm 2:2 Or “make themselves firm”