Psalm 2

William Helder, 1980 ©

1. Why do the restless heathen madly rage?
   What haughty schemes are they in vain contriving?
   The kings and rulers of the earth engage
   In rash attempts to plot their empty striving.
   They stand prepared, they all conspire together
   Against the LORD and His anointed King.
   “Let us,” they say, “tear loose and break their fetters,
   Cast off their chains, their shackles from us fling.”
   
2. Though proudly now they raise their battle cry,
   How vain is all their frenzied opposition!
   The LORD, who sits enthroned in heaven on high,
   Laughs them to scorn: He has them in derision.
   Then He will speak in wrath and indignation
   And all their host will He with terror fill:
   “I’ve set My King,” so runs His proclamation,
   “Upon mount Zion, on My holy hill.”
   
3. O peoples, listen to the LORD’s decree,
   For unto Me He made this declaration:
   “Thou art My Son, I have begotten Thee
   This very day. To Thee I’ll give the nations.
   Ask what Thou wilt: Thy heritage I’ll make them;
   Their lands shalt Thou possess, both near and far.
   Lo, with a rod of iron shalt Thou break them,
   Dash them in pieces like a potter’s jar.”
   
4. Take heed, O rulers of the earth, and hear;
   Be wise, O kings, and let His edict warn you.
   Rejoice with trembling, serve the LORD with fear.
   Now kiss the Son, lest He in fury scorn you,
   Lest in His wrath the LORD cause you to perish,
   For quickly kindled is His anger’s blaze.
   But all who trust in Him the LORD will cherish;
   He will defend and bless them all their days.