Psalms 2

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

1Why are the nations so angry? Why do the people waste their time making useless plans?

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

2The kings of the earth prepare for battle, and the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his chosen King.

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

3They say, 'Let us break the chains they have put on us and throw off their ropes.'

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

4The one who sits on his throne in heaven laughs; the Lord makes fun of them.

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

5Then he will speak to them in his anger and terrify them with his great fury.

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

6He says, 'I have placed my King on Zion, my holy mountain.'

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

7I will announce the LORD’S decree: He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have become your father.'

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

8Just ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance and the whole earth as your possession.

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

9You will rule them with an iron rod; you will smash them into pieces like clay jars.

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

10So now, you kings, be wise! Take warning, you leaders of the earth!

11Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling.

11Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12Kiss 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.

12Show honor to the son, or he will become angry and you will be destroyed where you stand, for his anger flares up quickly. But how happy are those who go to him for safety!