New Living Translation

Psalms • Chapter 2

1 Why are the nations so angry?<br>Why do they waste their time with futile plans?<br> 2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;<br>the rulers plot together<br>against the LORD<br>and against his anointed one.<br> 3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,<br>“and free ourselves from slavery to God (Elohim).”<br> 4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs.<br>The Lord scoffs at them.<br> 5 Then in anger he rebukes them,<br>terrifying them with his fierce fury.<br> 6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne<br>in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”<br> 7 The king proclaims the LORD’s decree:<br>“The LORD said to me, ‘You are my son.<br>Today I have become your Father.<br> 8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,<br>the whole earth as your possession.<br> 9 You will break them with an iron rod<br>and smash them like clay pots.’”<br> 10 Now then, you kings, act wisely!<br>Be warned, you rulers of the earth!<br> 11 Serve the LORD with reverent fear,<br>and rejoice with trembling.<br> 12 Submit to God (Elohim)’s royal son, or he will become angry,<br>and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities —<br>for his anger flares up in an instant.<br>But what joy for all who take refuge in him!<br>