1 Why do the nations conspirea
and the peoples plot in vain?
2The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
and against his Anointed One.b
3 "Let us break their chains," they say,
"and throw off their fetters."
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5Then he rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 "I have installed my Kingc
on Zion, my holy hill."
7 I will proclaim the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, "You are my Son;d
today I have become your Father.e
8 Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will rule them with an iron sceptre;f
you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
10Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11Serve the Lord with fear
and rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry
and you be destroyed in your way,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
a1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage
b2 Or anointed one
c6 Or king
d7 Or son; also in verse 12
e7 Or have begotten you
f9 Or will break them with a rod of iron
©ALBERITH
210720lch