Psalm 2

Coronation of the Son

Why(A) do the nations rebel[a](B)
and the peoples plot in vain?(C)
The kings of the earth take their stand,(D)
and the rulers conspire together
against the Lord and His Anointed One:[b](E)
“Let us tear off their chains
and free ourselves from their restraints.”[c](F)

The One enthroned[d] in heaven laughs;
the Lord ridicules them.(G)
Then He speaks to them in His anger
and terrifies them in His wrath:(H)
“I have consecrated My King[e]
on Zion, My holy mountain.”(I)

I will declare the Lord’s decree:
He said to Me, “You are My Son;[f]
today I have become Your[g] Father.(J)
Ask of Me,
and I will make the nations Your[h] inheritance
and the ends of the earth Your[i] possession.(K)
You will break[j] them with a rod of iron;
You[k] will shatter them like pottery.”[l](L)

10 So now, kings, be wise;
receive instruction, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with reverential awe
and rejoice with trembling.(M)
12 Pay homage to[m] the Son or He[n] will be angry
and you will perish in your rebellion,[o](N)
for His[p] anger may ignite at any moment.(O)
All those who take refuge in Him[q] are happy.(P)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 2:1 Or conspire, or rage
  2. Psalm 2:2 Or anointed one
  3. Psalm 2:3 Lit and throw their ropes from us
  4. Psalm 2:4 Lit who sits
  5. Psalm 2:6 Or king
  6. Psalm 2:7 Or me, “You are My son
  7. Psalm 2:7 Or your
  8. Psalm 2:8 Or your
  9. Psalm 2:8 Or your
  10. Psalm 2:9 LXX, Syr, Tg read shepherd
  11. Psalm 2:9 Or you
  12. Psalm 2:9 Lit a potter’s vessel
  13. Psalm 2:12 Lit Kiss
  14. Psalm 2:12 Or son, otherwise he
  15. Psalm 2:12 Lit perish way
  16. Psalm 2:12 Or his
  17. Psalm 2:12 Or him

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)