1 Why do the nations gather together?

Why do their people devise useless plots?

2 Kings take their stands.

Rulers make plans together

against the Lord and against his Messiah *Or “anointed one.” by saying,

3 “Let’s break apart their chains

and shake off their ropes.”

4 The one enthroned in heaven laughs.

The Lord makes fun of them.

5 Then he speaks to them in his anger.

In his burning anger he terrifies them by saying,

6 “I have installed my own king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will announce the Lord’s decree.

He said to me:

“You are my Son.

Today I have become your Father.

8 Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance

and the ends of the earth as your own possession.

9 You will break them with an iron scepter.

You will smash them to pieces like pottery.”

10 Now, you kings, act wisely.

Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

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

12 Kiss the Son, or he will become angry

and you will die on your way

because his anger will burst into flames.

Blessed is everyone who takes refuge in him.