Psalms 2

Psalm 2#sn Psalm 2. In this royal psalm the author asserts the special status of the divinely chosen Davidic king and warns the nations and their rulers to submit to the authority of God and his chosen vice-regent.

1Why do the nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail?

2The kings of the earth form a united front; the rulers collaborate against the Lord and his anointed king.

3They say, “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us! Let’s free ourselves from their ropes!”

4The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust; the Lord taunts them.

5Then he angrily speaks to them and terrifies them in his rage, saying,

6“I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy hill.”

7The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree. He said to me: ‘You are my son! This very day I have become your father!

8Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your personal property.

9You will break them with an iron scepter; you will smash them like a potter’s jar!’”

10So now, you kings, do what is wise; you rulers of the earth, submit to correction!

11Serve the Lord in fear! Repent in terror!

12Give sincere homage! Otherwise he will be angry, and you will die because of your behavior, when his anger quickly ignites. How blessed are all who take shelter in him!