¹ Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
² The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,
³ “Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”
⁴ The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
⁵ He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
⁶ “I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain. ”
⁷ I will proclaim the LORD’s decree:
He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father.
⁸ Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
⁹ You will break them with a rod of iron;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery. ”
¹⁰ Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the LORD with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
¹² Kiss his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalms 2

Psalm 2

What fools the nations are to rage

Against the Lord; how odd

That they should scheme and plot and try

Their best to outwit God.

A summit conference is called

To plot against the Lord:

They want to overthrow the rule

Of God, as if they could!

“Come, let us break His chains,” they say,

“Throw off this slavery;

We do not need God’s government:

Of Him we would be free.”

But God in heaven merely laughs

At puny little man.

They think that they can overthrow

God’s rule by their own plan!

With fury fierce, God’s mirthless laugh

To strong rebuke is turned.

Their hearts are filled with fear, for they

His King, His Christ, have spurned.

The Lord declares, “This is my king,

Enthroned on Zion’s hill!”

The Christ replies, “I shall declare

Your everlasting will.”

For you have said, “You are my Son;

“Tis coronation day.

Just ask of me and I will give

Whatever you may say.

For your inheritance I’ll give

To you earth’s farthest shores:

To rule them with an iron rod

The nations will be yours.”

So listen, rebel rulers, bow

To Christ, you earthly kings:

Serve God with reverential fear

And know the joy He brings.

Fall down and kiss the Son, before

His wrath sweeps you away:

How blessed are those who trust in Him

Forever and for aye.