The LORD's chosen king

1Why do the nations plot,2.1 Why…plot?: Or “Why are the nations restless?”2.1,2: Ac 4.25,26.

and why do their people

make useless plans?2.1 make useless plans: Or “grumble uselessly”.

2The kings of this earth

have all joined together

to turn against the LORD

and his chosen one.

3They say, “Let's cut the ropes

and set ourselves free!”

4In heaven the LORD laughs

as he sits on his throne,

making fun of the nations.

5The LORD becomes furious

and threatens them.

His anger terrifies them

as he says,

6“I've put my king on Zion,

my sacred hill.”

7I will tell the promise2.7: Ac 13.33; He 1.5; 5.5.

that the LORD made to me:

“You are my son, because today

I have become your father.

8Ask me for the nations,

and every nation on earth

will belong to you.

9You will smash them2.9: Rev 2.26,27; 12.5; 19.15.

with an iron rod

and shatter them

like dishes of clay.”

10Be wise, all you rulers,

and pay close attention.

11Serve and honour the LORD;

be glad and tremble.

12Show respect to his son

because if you don't,

the LORD might become furious

and suddenly destroy you.2.11,12 Serve…you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 11,12.

But he blesses and protects

everyone who runs to him.