Psalm 2

1  WHY DO the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) an empty scheme?2  The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ). They say, 3  Let us break Their bands [of restraint] asunder and cast Their cords [of control] from us.4  He Who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision [and in supreme contempt He mocks them].5  He speaks to them in His deep anger and troubles (terrifies and confounds) them in His displeasure and fury, saying, 6  Yet have I anointed (installed and placed) My King [firmly] on My holy hill of Zion.7  I will declare the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, You are My Son; this day [I declare] I have begotten You. 8  Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as Your possession.9  You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like potters’ ware. 10  Now therefore, O you kings, act wisely; be instructed and warned, O you rulers of the earth.11  Serve the Lord with reverent awe and worshipful fear; rejoice and be in high spirits with trembling [lest you displease Him].12  Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity], lest He be angry and you perish in the way, for soon shall His wrath be kindled. O blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are all those who seek refuge and put their trust 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!