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Old Testament

Psalms 2

World English Bible

Overview

Psalm 2 is a royal psalm that surveys the raging of the nations against the LORD and His Anointed, only to reveal that heaven laughs at their rebellion. God declares that He has installed His King on Zion and addresses Him as His Son, promising Him the nations as an inheritance. The psalm closes by urging kings to serve the LORD with fear and to take refuge in the Son, pronouncing blessing on all who trust in Him. It is a confident proclamation that God's reign cannot be overthrown.

1Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?

2The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying,

3“Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.”

4He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.

5Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath:

6“Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”

7I will tell of the decree: Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.

8Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.

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

10Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

11Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

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