PSALM 2

 

Why do nations conspire,

and peoples occupy

themselves with vain things?

The kings of the earth

ally themselves

and the princes conspire

against the Lord and

his anointed one.

Let us break their chains,

and cast off from us

their nooses.

The One who lives

in Heaven laughs,

the Lord mocks them.

Then He speaks to

them in his anger,

and in his fury

He terrifies them.

But I was established

King by Him,

on Zion his holy

mountain.

I will declare the decree

of the Lord:

The Lord said to me,

"You are my son,

I have fathered you

this day.

Ask it of me,

and I will give you

the nations

as your heritage,

and the ends of the earth

as your possession."

You shall shepherd them

with an iron staff,

and shatter them

like a potter's jar."

Understand then,

O kings,

be instructed,

O judges

of the earth.

Serve the Lord

in fear, and trembling

rejoice in Him.

Pay homage to Him

with a pure heart,

lest He become angered

and you soon perish

from the way,

in the flash of his wrath.

Happy are all

who take refuge

in Him.

Translation Copyright © 2023 by Donald C. Traxler.