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 heathen rage, and the people devise a vain thing?

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,

“Let us break Their bonds asunder, and cast away Their cords from us.”

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision.

Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure:

“Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion.”

“I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto Me, ‘Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.

Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.

The Lord's Chosen King

(A) Why do the nations plot,[a]
and why do their people
    make useless plans?[b]
The kings of this earth
    have all joined together
to turn against the Lord
    and his chosen king.
They say, “Let's cut the ropes
    and set ourselves free!”

In heaven the Lord laughs
as he sits on his throne,
    making fun of the nations.
The Lord becomes furious
    and threatens them.
His anger terrifies them
    as he says,
“I've put my king on Zion,
    my sacred hill.”

(B) I will tell the promise
    that the Lord made to me:
“You are my son, because today
    I have become your father.
Ask me for the nations,
and every nation on earth
    will belong to you.
(C) You will smash them
    with an iron rod
and shatter them
    like dishes of clay.”

10 Be smart, all you rulers,
    and pay close attention.
11 Serve and honor the Lord;
    be glad and tremble.
12 Show respect to his son
    because if you don't,
the Lord might become furious
    and suddenly destroy you.[c]
But he blesses and protects
    everyone who runs to him.

Footnotes

  1. 2.1 Why … plot: Or “Why are the nations restless?”
  2. 2.1 make useless plans: Or “grumble uselessly.”
  3. 2.11,12 Serve … you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 11,12.