Psalms 2

1 Why did the nations rage and the peoples meditate on empty things?

2 The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed one. Pause.

3 “Let us tear apart their bonds and throw off their yoke from us.”

4 The one who lives in the heavens will laugh at them, and the Lord will mock them.

5 Then he will speak to them in his anger and terrify them in his wrath.

6 “But I was appointed king by him on Zion, his holy mountain,

7 declaring the Lord’s decree. The Lord said to me,

‘You are my son. Today I have fathered you.

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

9 You will shepherd them with an iron rod and shatter them like a potter’s vessel.’”

10 Now then, kings, understand! Accept instruction, all who judge the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice in him with trembling.

12 Take hold of instruction, or the Lord may become angry and you may perish from the righteous way. When his wrath is quickly kindled, blessed are all who trust in him.