Psalm 2 | New International Reader’s Version

1 Why do the nations plan evil together? Why do they make useless plans?

2 The kings of the earth rise up against the LORD. The rulers of the earth join together against his anointed king.

3 ‘Let us break free from their chains,’ they say. ‘Let us throw off their ropes.’

4 The God who sits on his throne in heaven laughs. The Lord makes fun of those rulers and their plans.

5 When he is angry, he warns them. When his anger blazes out, he terrifies them.

6 He says to them, ‘I have placed my king on my holy mountain of Zion.’

7 I will announce what the LORD has promised. He said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your father.

8 Ask me, and I will give the nations to you. All nations on earth will belong to you.

9 You will break them with an iron sceptre. You will smash them to pieces like clay pots.’

10 Kings, be wise! Rulers of the earth, be warned!

11 Serve the LORD and have respect for him. Celebrate his rule with trembling.

12 Obey the son completely, or he will be angry. Your way of life will lead to your death. His anger can blaze out at any moment. Blessed are all those who go to him for safety.

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English Standard Version

The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed

1 Why do the nations rage* and the peoples plot in vain?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,

3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.

5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.

8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

9 You shall break* them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.

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

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

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