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Psalm 2

You are wondering: What has provoked the nations to embrace anger and chaos?[a]
    Why are the people making plans to pursue their own vacant and empty greatness?
Leaders of nations stand united;
    rulers put their heads together,
    plotting against the Eternal One and His Anointed King, trying to figure out
How they can throw off the gentle reign of God’s love,
    step out from under the restrictions of His claims to advance their own schemes.

At first, the Power of heaven laughs at their silliness.
    The Eternal mocks their ignorant selfishness.
But His laughter turns to rage, and He rebukes them.
    As God displays His righteous anger, they begin to know the meaning of fear. He says,
“I am the One who appointed My king who reigns from Zion, My mount of holiness.
    He is the one in charge.

I am telling all of you the truth. I have heard the Eternal’s decree.
He said clearly to me, “You are My son.
    Today I have become your Father.
The nations shall be yours for the asking,
    and the entire earth will belong to you.
They are yours to crush with an iron scepter,
    yours to shatter like fragile, clay pots.”

10 So leaders, kings, and judges,
    be wise, and be warned.
11 There is only one God, the Eternal;
    worship Him with respect and awe;
    take delight in Him and tremble.
12 Bow down before God’s son.
    If you don’t, you will face His anger and retribution,
And you won’t stand a chance.
    For it doesn’t take long to kindle royal wrath,

But blessings await all who trust in Him.
    They will find God a gentle refuge.

Footnotes

  1. 2:1 Greek manuscripts read, “rage.”

Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire[a]
    and the peoples plot(A) in vain?
The kings(B) of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed,(C) saying,
“Let us break their chains(D)
    and throw off their shackles.”(E)

The One enthroned(F) in heaven laughs;(G)
    the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger(H)
    and terrifies them in his wrath,(I) saying,
“I have installed my king(J)
    on Zion,(K) my holy mountain.(L)

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;(M)
    today I have become your father.(N)
Ask me,
    and I will make the nations(O) your inheritance,(P)
    the ends of the earth(Q) your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron[b];(R)
    you will dash them to pieces(S) like pottery.(T)

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;(U)
    be warned, you rulers(V) of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear(W)
    and celebrate his rule(X) with trembling.(Y)
12 Kiss his son,(Z) or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath(AA) can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed(AB) are all who take refuge(AC) in him.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 2:1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage
  2. Psalm 2:9 Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac)