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Psalm 2

1 Why do the nations rage, And the peoples meditate a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bonds asunder, And cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens will laugh: The Lord will have them in derision.

5 Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure:

6 Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

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

10 Now therefore be wise, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11 Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.

Psalm 2

1 Why do the nations rebel?
Why are the countries devising plots that will fail?

2 The kings of the earth form a united front;
the rulers collaborate
against the Lord and his anointed king.

3 They say, “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us!
Let’s free ourselves from their ropes!”

4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust;
the Lord taunts them.

5 Then he angrily speaks to them
and terrifies them in his rage, saying,

6 “I myself have installed my king
on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 The king says, “I will announce the Lord's decree. He said to me:
‘You are my son! This very day I have become your father!

8 Ask me,
and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the ends of the earth as your personal property.

9 You will break them with an iron scepter;
you will smash them like a potter’s jar!’”

10 So now, you kings, do what is wise;
you rulers of the earth, submit to correction!

11 Serve the Lord in fear!
Repent in terror!

12 Give sincere homage!
Otherwise he will be angry,
and you will die because of your behavior,
when his anger quickly ignites.
How blessed are all who take shelter in him!