Psalm 2

Why are the nations in an uproar? And why do the peoples mutter in vain?

Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples?

The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His anointed:

Earth-leaders push for position, demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, the God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers:

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

"Let's break their chains," they cry, "and free ourselves from this slavery."

He that sitteth in heaven laugheth, the Lord hath them in derision.

Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he's amused at their presumption;

Then will He speak unto them in His wrath, and affright them in His sore displeasure:

then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up:

Truly it is I that have established My king upon Zion, My holy mountain.

"I've installed my King on Zion, my holy mountain."

I will tell of the decree: the LORD said unto me: Thou art My son, this day have I begotten thee.

Let me tell you what God said next. He said, "You're my son, and today is your birthday."

Ask of Me, and I will give the nations for thine inheritance, and the ends of the earth for thy possession.

"What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? Continents as a prize?"

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel.

"You can command them all—you'll smash them like crockery, shatter them like cheap pottery."

Now therefore, O ye kings, be wise; be admonished, ye judges of the earth.

So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson:

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Worship God in adoring reverence. Kiss Messiah!

Do homage in purity, lest He be angry, and ye perish in the way, when suddenly His wrath is kindled. Happy are all they that take refuge in Him.

Your very lives are at stake if you get it wrong. His anger is about to explode, but if you make it right with him—you're blessed!