1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?2.1 rage: or, tumultuously assemble2.1 imagine: Heb. meditate
2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.2.5 vex: or, trouble
6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.2.6 set: Heb. anointed2.6 upon…: Heb. upon Zion, the hill of my holiness
7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.2.7 the decree: or, for a decree
8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss 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.
Psalm 2
1Why do the nations plan evil together?
Why do they make useless plans?
2The kings of the earth rise up against the Lord.
The rulers of the earth join together against his anointed king.
3“Let us break free from their chains,” they say.
“Let us throw off their ropes.”
4The God who sits on his throne in heaven laughs.
The Lord makes fun of those rulers and their plans.
5When he is angry, he warns them.
When his anger blazes out, he terrifies them.
6He says to them,
“I have placed my king on my holy mountain of Zion.”
7I will announce what the Lord has promised.
He said to me, “You are my son.
Today I have become your father.
8Ask me, and I will give the nations to you.
All nations on earth will belong to you.
9You will break them with an iron scepter.
You will smash them to pieces like clay pots.”
10Kings, be wise!
Rulers of the earth, be warned!
11Serve the Lord and have respect for him.
Celebrate his rule with trembling.
12Obey 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.
