1 W hy do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Why are the nations so shaken up and the people planning foolish things?

2 T he kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

The kings of the earth stand in a line ready to fight, and all the leaders are against the Lord and against His Chosen One.

3 L et us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

They say, “Let us break their chains and throw them away from us.”

4 H e that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

He Who sits in the heavens laughs. The Lord makes fun of them.

5 T hen shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Then He will speak to them in His anger and make them afraid, saying,

6 Y et have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

“But as for Me, I have set My King on Zion, My holy mountain.”

7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

I will make known the words of the Lord. He said to Me, “You are My Son. Today I have become Your Father.

8 A sk of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Ask of Me, and I will give the nations for you to own. The ends of the earth will belong to You.

9 T hou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

You will break them using a piece of iron. And they will be broken in pieces like pots of clay.”

10 B e wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

So, kings, be wise. Listen, you rulers of the earth.

11 S erve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Serve the Lord with fear, and be full of joy as you shake in fear.

12 K iss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Kiss the Son. Be afraid that He may be angry and destroy you in the way. For His anger is quick. Happy are all who put their trust in Him.