Psalms, 2

1. What means this turmoil among the nations? Why do the peoples cherish vain dreams?

2. See how the kings of the earth stand in array, how its rulers make common cause, against the Lord, and against the King he has anointed,

3. crying, Let us break away from their bondage, rid ourselves of the toils!

4. He who dwells in heaven is laughing at their threats, the Lord makes light of them;

5. and at last, in his displeasure, he will speak out, his anger quelling them:

6. Here, on mount Sion, my sanctuary, I enthrone a king of my own choice.Mine to proclaim the Lord’s edict;

7. how he told me, Thou art my son; I have begotten thee this day.

8. Ask thy will of me, and thou shalt have the nations for thy patrimony; the very ends of the world for thy domain.

9. Thou shalt herd them like sheep✻ with a crook of iron, break them in pieces like earthenware.

10. Princes, take warning; learn your lesson, you that rule the world.

11. Tremble, and serve the Lord, rejoicing in his presence, but with awe in your hearts.

12. Kiss the rod,✻ do not brave his anger, and go astray from the sure path.

13. When the fire of his vengeance blazes out suddenly, happy are they who find their refuge in him.