The Psalms

PSALM 2

1 Why do the nations protest

and the peoples conspire in vain?^a

 

2 Kings on earth rise up

and princes plot together

against the LORD and against his anointed one:^*b

 

3 “Let us break their shackles

and cast off their chains from us!”^c

 

4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs;

the Lord derides them,^d

 

5 Then he speaks to them in his anger,

in his wrath he terrifies them:

 

6 “I myself have installed my king

on Zion, my holy mountain.”

 

7 I will proclaim the decree of the L ORD,

he said to me, “You are my son;

today I have begotten you.^e

 

8 Ask it of me,

and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,

and, as your possession, the ends of the earth.

 

9 With an iron rod you will shepherd them,

like a potter’s vessel you will shatter them.”^f

 

10 And now, kings, give heed;

take warning, judges on earth.

 

11 Serve the L ORD with fear;

exult with trembling,

Accept correction

lest he become angry and you perish along the way

when his anger suddenly blazes up.^g

Blessed are all who take refuge in him!