2:1 Why1 do the nations cause a commotion?2
Why3 are the countries4 devising5 plots that will fail?6
2:2 The kings of the earth7 form a united front;8
the rulers collaborate9
against the Lord and his chosen king.10
2:3 They say,11 “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us!12
Let’s free ourselves from13 their ropes!”
2:4 The one enthroned14 in heaven laughs in disgust;15
the sovereign Master taunts16 them.
2:5 Then he angrily speaks to them
and terrifies them in his rage.17
2:6 He says,18 “I myself19 have installed20 my king
on Zion, my holy hill.”
2:7 The king says,21 “I will tell you what the Lord decreed. He said to me:22
‘You are my son!23 This very day I have become your father!
2:8 You have only to ask me,
and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,24
the ends of the earth as your personal property.
2:9 You will break them25 with an iron scepter;26
you will smash them as if they were a potter’s jar.’”27
2:10 So now, you kings, do what is wise!28
You rulers of the earth, submit to correction!29
2:11 Serve30 the Lord in fear!
Repent in terror!31
Otherwise he33 will be angry,34
and you will die because of your behavior,35
when his anger quickly ignites.36
How happy37 are all who take shelter in him!38
Psalm 339
A psalm of David, written when he fled from his son Absalom.40